The Oracle

Chapter 1

Opening my eyes to the c***k of dawn peeking through my bedroom blinds is definitely not my idea of a good morning, having a mother as a baker is why a lay in is something I can only dream about having. Our family owns a little bakery in town called Sweet Treats, something my mum had always wanted to do and once we moved here when I was born it was the perfect opportunity.

We live in the sleepy town of Tinsel, smack dab in the middle of drab south Yorkshire, UK. Its surrounded by miles and miles of thick forests and flourishing fields or corn, I cannot remember the amount of times we were caught messing around in said fields by our parents or an angry farmer. Growing up in such a small town has its ups and downs, also having a population of around a thousand people can be dismal but it is what you make it.

"Kate, get up! You're not being lazy this whole summer, you can help me out in the shop please, we leave in an hour" my mum proceeds to shout upstairs with a tone in her voice that means she's taking no for an answer.

"Getting up now" I reply with a tone of bitterness as I was hoping to be lazy this whole summer, I turn eighteen in a few weeks and this will be my last summer I have with my best friends before we plan out our futures as well as going away to university maybe.

"Thankyou, please don't be late as I have a delivery due this morning from a new contractor, as a result I have to be there to oversee everything" I can tell from her change in tone she's grateful for the help so I proceed to climb out of bed and get ready.

Brushing my teeth I glance at my reflection in the mirror, inspecting whether I look any different knowing I am almost officially an adult. I have long dark brown hair that reaches down to my thighs consequently its a love hate relationship and tangles hurt like a son of a b***h, besides tugs are a guarantee when having long hair. Big brown eyes are my favourite thing I got from my mum, the rest is all from my dad sadly that includes my ears that are a little too big for my head shape in addition to my nose which is a little too big to be feminine, growing up I heard all the nasty names under the sun about my looks and my size which is a curvy twelve, moreover I never failed to rise above it all as having friends and parents like mine taught me to love myself and I know nobody is perfect.

Hurrying through my shower I pick my favourite ensemble of leggings and a sweater, many people have tried to coax me into jeans and skirts but why bother when what I love is classy and comfortable, glancing in the mirror one last time I apply a little bit of gloss to my lips.

Strolling into the kitchen with barely twenty minutes left I see my mum fretting over making pancakes which in itself is just weird as hell, she's an amazing baker, I can count on one hand how many times i've seen my mum this nervous. glancing around I try to make out any other reason to why she's acting this way but our kitchen is the heart of our home, soft pink and pastel yellows everywhere as they're my mothers favourite colours, I come up blank not seeing anything weirder than how my mum is acting right now. I slide into a barstool closest to the door incase im in need of a quick escape as I do not do creepy crawlies, its the only assumption im coming up with as to why the atmosphere in here is funky.

I slide the only plate with two finished pancakes on towards me, knowing they're mine as they have a drizzle of syrup on as I don't have a big sweet tooth, I know, I know, my mum is a sweet baker and I don't like sweets, if said in public it always manages to make people laugh. I giggle quietly under my breath at the longest running joke this town has.

Glancing at my mum still trying to cook her pancakes I slowly broach the subject " You okay mum?" I say softly.

"Ouch! f**k!" she screams in pain, drops the spatula and runs to the sink, I hear the water running so I know she burnt her hand.

"Damn mum, you okay?" standing up I manage to salvage her almost burnt pancakes, placing them on a plate I turn a worried look towards my mum who is once again fussing at the sink.

"Yes Kate, i'm fine, you startled me that's all, I didn't hear you come downstairs" she sounds okay but once she actually turns to look at me I see the clenched set of her shoulders and the frown between her eyes.

Continuing to eat my pancakes I ask around a mouthful of food " You sure? your kind of freaking me out" I kept my tone neutral but I know she heard the worried undercurrent as she takes a deep breath and relaxes her shoulders while leaning up against the counter.

"I'm just a little nervous about the contractor coming today" she sighs with resignation and sits down next to me. "I told you already this will be a new contract for the bakery, they bought out old mason last week, you know that's the only mill for hundreds of miles, If I can't get them to sign the contract to supply us with flour, I'm terrified of what that means for the bakery. I have no idea how far id have to travel to get the flour we need. From what your dad heard this morning at work they don't tend to be too friendly with anyone in town as of yet" amidst a lot of sighs I see a sheen of tears in her eyes.

"You are Penny Dawson, the best damn baker for hundreds of miles mum" I shout like a conquering hero, making her sob turn into a laugh. "I know for a fact all you have to do is feed them your buns first then promptly ask them to sign on the dotted line once they're high from all the sugar" I exclaim proudly to her once again waving my fork like a sword dramatically.

We both burst into giggles, I notice she's starting to perk up and wearing that confident cloak I always see around her, especially with anything to do with the bakery, it's her second baby and she's made it flourish in Tinsel which I think is a massive feat considering how many people live here.

Putting my plate in the sink I hug her from behind, tightly wrapping my arms around her shoulder " Everything will be fine mum, I have faith in you" I whisper lightly in her ear.

"I know but I cannot help buy worry" she gives a big sigh but I know from her tone its alright. "Kate, hunni you always manage to surprise me with how wise you are sometimes" she said with a soft smile on her face. My mum is a classic beauty with beautiful Auburn hair and a skinny figure even with all the sugar she consumes on a daily basis, you wont ever find her in anything but a shirt, skirt as well as a matching pair of stilettos. People meeting her think she'll be cold and hard from outward appearances but she's like a warm cake fresh out of the oven full of motherly vibes. Always has a kind word for anyone or anything. Best role model ever.

"So I guess all this wisdom doesn't want to be wasted working during the summer right" I say slyly while walking backwards towards the shoe rack by the front door.

"Now that sassy attitude is the daughter I know and love, nevertheless oh great one you shall be working the whole summer with me, although I may change my mind from time to time" standing up she brushes out wrinkles in her skirt that were never there while giving me a beaming smile.

I laugh happily knowing I got a good deal, furthermore I can now make plans with my friends, bending down I contemplate which pair of boots to wear today, I have two guilty pleasures in my life. The first is boots, second is handbags, all colours, patterns, sizes of heels. I have plenty of both. Wearing a cream sweater paired with black leggings today so I pick my favourite cream belted ankle boots and pair it with a black shoulder bag. Glancing back to see if my mum is ready I see a black blur race past our living room window. I walk over to peek out but see nothing out of the ordinary.

"You ready to go? what are you looking at?" mum asks me inquisitively with a little tilt to her head.

"I thought I saw someone outside" shaking my head thinking It must have been a trick of the light as the garden is empty.

I go out the house first leaving mum to lock up, I subtly glance around trying to figure out if anyone is out of place and could explain what I saw, yet to no avail as were the only ones outside. I climb in the passenger seat of the car, buckle up and relax while mum drives towards the bakery. I take one last glance back at the house yet seeing nothing out of place, our house is a normal white brick two storeyed house with of course a pale yellow door, a few plants in the front garden reminisce of the days where mum tried her hand at gardening. Noticing the state of said plants state we can all say it did not go well, I chuckle remembering.

Mum turns on the radio and Taylor Swift-trouble comes blaring out the speakers, we proceed the rest of the drive by singing out of key, mum shrugs of all her nerves and I totally forget all about the mysterious black blur.

Pulling up to the shop i admire it all over again, the sign itself is a work of art as mum got it all the way from New York, Sweet treats is actually spelt out in over a hundred different sweets. The location wasn't that easy to come by as previously it was a very popular pub, its said that mum saw it, walked inside then proceeded to talk to the owner for 5 minutes and boom, she was the new owner. My friends swear that she has some kind of superpower but over the past seventeen years i still have no evidence, she's just awesome. Walking inside you hear that whimsical bell dad insisted we put up so nobody could walk inside without being noticed, i chuck it down to him being overly protective as always. Best way to describe the lay out would be a diamond, split down the middle horizontally by the counter, the kitchen where all the magic happens is through the double doors in back, up here is full or pink bedazzled tables and chairs that are just too cute to not be overly annoyingly bright. My favourite thing of all is the floor length windows on either side of the shop, it sits on a corner plot in the middle of town straight across from the park, in summer the views are awe inspiring.

"Mmmm i love the smell of chocolate in the morning" i say loudly with just a hint of sarcasm in my voice so that anyone in back can hear.

"Now i know that ain't Kitty Kat being so witty this early in the morning" Maddie jokingly throws at me as she comes through the doors with a triple chocolate coke in her hands.

"Now Maddie why did you have to go and ruin your reputation by calling me that terrible nickname" i mock at her all the while holding my hands up to my chest as if guarding an imaginary wound.

"Now see here Kitty Kat i know your momma brought you up right so stop faking and get you butt over here and set up" she has that headmistress look in her eyes so i cant help but burst out laughing.

Madeline Phoenix or Maddie to anyone inside these walls doesn't have a strict bone in her whole body. Beautiful caramel coloured skin, a few laugh lines around her eyes, fine grey hairs sprinkled here and there throughout her braids. My mum and Maddie met while i was still in diapers and were besties almost instantaneously in spite of the fact that there is a ten year age difference between them, so she's always been an fixture in my life and over time she became the best aunt i could ever ask for especially considering mums parents passed away before i was born and dads are... estranged i guess as the only information i have been allowed to know was that they disapproved of mum so dad being his usual caveman way walked out the door and never went back. 

"Now girls we have weeks that were stuck together inside these walls, don't waste all your witty remarks too soon" glancing between both us mum can't help but let out a laugh at the end as she knows its only the start of a war of words, moreover the winner is whoever makes the others laugh first. It's a game Maddie made up for me when i would sit in here bored after school doing my homework until closing.

"One point to me" smiling widely at mum as i walk past to hug Maddie.

"Damn Kitty Kat is fast on the markers this time, but it ain't over till the black lady sings and you both know i cant sing worth a s**t" Maddie blurts out suddenly with a straight face.

Mum and i cant help but laugh as its too true, Karaoke night over the years has become a tug of war to get Maddie to even show up.

"Two points to me" smiling with pride having taken the lead already, Maddie hugs me back but quickly returns to setting up the front chilled counter.

"Have you heard anything from the new contractor yet?" i glance over sharply at mum once i noticed the undertone of fear in the question that she couldn't hide.

Maddie knows mum so well that she smiles brightly at her when she responds trying to calm her "No, however they said someone will be over by Ten this morning to see you"

Looking up at the clock behind the counter while i try to find my apron says the time is 8.20am, all the aprons in Sweet Treats are pink yet we all have our own names printed out on them, i finally find mine in the back as its been a while since i've worn it. Standing up i glance at the name Kat printed in baby blue on the front, sighing in resignation as i had forgotten about the last war of wits i lost to Maddie she made mum and me a new apron. Mum got Penelope on hers in addition to mine saying Kat in reference to the nickname she has for me. Growing up mum and Maddie said i had trouble saying m's so much i'd drag it out, regardless Maddie said it reminded her of a kitten. Bada bing boom i was then henceforth nicknamed Kitty Kat. I love it... sometimes.

We all get on with our respective roles amidst the occasional conversation as well as Courtney and Nigel both coming in to help. Courtney was three years ahead of me in school so we never really got to know one another on a personal level but she seems nice from our workplace conversations, she's interning here while doing her A levels in Cake Decoration. Nigel is a retired gym teacher who found his love in pastry a little late in life yet mum took a chance on him when he first started out and now he's won two awards for his amazing tart inventions. I'm still surprised he stuck around after the first, personally i think he has the hots for Maddie that's why he stays even though i've brought it upto her she brushes me off like im crazy.

Before we know it Nine rolls around and mum opens the shop to quite a que as people will come from all over town to eat in or takeaway anything we have to offer. Time passes and ten creeps up on us without anyone noticing, Mum is happily gloating behind the cash register as she took the lead in the war with five points, second is Maddie with three, last is me with two. Would it be wrong of me to admit that i let mum take the lead purposely to cheer her up, seeing her so happy is well worth and punishment i may get if i lose this time also. Cleaning away the plates on a table directly next to the window facing the park i cant help but admire the view for a few seconds, the bubble of bliss i was in burst when i saw the familiar white van driving towards us. I quickly glance at Maddie with just one nod in her direction she knows what to do.

"Nigel, Courtney. Would you guys mind starting on that new raspberry ripple tart please" she asks kindly.

The guys know even with mum stood there that Maddie is in charge just as much as if she wasn't, so they happily wander into the kitchen.

"They're here aren't they?" mum understands Maddie did that as audiences make her more nervous when she's stressed, she assumed correctly as she catches a glimpse of the van marked with Masons Mill park up outside next to the left floor length window.

"s**t! s**t! do i look okay? Kate make sure all the dirty plates are in the back, Maddie make sure the counter is full" Mum blurts it all out nervously while wringing her hands and smoothing her hair and skirt.

"Mum you look amazing and professional, you got this" reassuring tone and a soft smile works as i see her take a deep breath and calm down.

"Break a leg!.. actually no that's a terrible idea as i'd have to talk to them, knock em dead! wait no as... oh dammit you both know what i meant. now im bloody nervous" whether intentional or not it was the perfect thing to say as we all burst out laughing. "Oooo two points to me, looks like ill be crowned winner again" Maddie manages to say through peals of laughter.

Sobering up at that announcement we hear the jingle of the door announcing somebody's arrival, it seems to echo ominously through the shop even with the radio playing softly in the background.

Strolling back behind the counter i lean on it with Maddie as we watch mum do the introductions.

"Good morning are you Mr Fairfield?" mum holds her hand out steady awaiting his response.

"Damon Fairfield, i'm to assume you're Penny Dawson" he says as a statement, like he's used to being right way too often. Lets just take a minute to acknowledge the fact that this man is f*****g huge. Muscles on muscles, he definitely rivals dad on size which is new as he was always the biggest guy i've ever seen growing up so to see the man that holds all my mums dreams in his meaty hand is a little terrifying especially considering he hasn't smiled once since walking through the door. Looks to be in his late fourtys and considering the absence of laugh lines and the scar around his left ear he isn't someone you want to piss off. He reminds me of a more scarier version of Gerard Butler.

"Kate would you get Mr Fairfield a drink, what would you like?" mum confidently heads towards a corner table so they'll be out of the way of any customers who come in and sadly out of mine and Maddie's hearing.

"Please call me Damon and a plain black coffee with one sugar is fine thankyou" he says it towards mum as he follows to sit down, but i hear it anyway, yes im a little miffed at the total disregard of saying it to me but i keep my mouth shut as to not annoy the newcomer until he's signed on the dotted line.

Quick to make mums favourite mocha latte and Damon's drink so i can head over to hear what's being said i miss everything that's going on outside the shop to my left.

Walking back over towards mum i hear the last snippets of their conversation "Then we're agreed, ill come back tomorrow with my wife as she has a terrible sweet tooth, here comes my son Tristan and his friends, they'll be the ones who are in charge of deliveries every week" Damon hasn't even looked up from the paperwork he is signing so i know he doesn't realise its me who's walking towar...i hear the jingle of the door a second later.

I'll never forget what happens next for the rest of my life.

I turn to say hello to whoever the customer is only realizing a second later that it must be Mr Fairfields son, Tristan i think he said. 

"f**k!"

The shouted expletive behind me was so sudden i jump dropping the cups in the process leading me to shout out my own "s**t, sorry" i apologise gingerly looking back towards mum and her guest but he isn't even looking at me but at the door. Mum begins fussing over the broken china and the mess of coffee yet i can't help but stand there frozen as all those tiny hairs on my body stand up and goose bumps choose that as a sign to join in too. Feeling like a force is pulling me to turn towards the door my body moves by itself as in slow motion yet i know it only took seconds. Standing in the door holding a bag of flour on his shoulder is the hottest guy i've ever seen. Chocolate coloured shoulder length hair, eyes the colour of the ocean i know even from this distance change with his emotions, i feel like everything about him is familiar yet i know i would not forget meeting him in the past. Sharp jaw i feel like ive stroked a hundred times even knowing he likes to have a bit of scruff. Athletic body i can imagine naked with his six pack of abs yet he's stood in front of me fully dressed. I feel myself blushing, I feel the temperature in the room go up like a hundred degrees and i can hear myself panting yet i still cant move, im gasping for breath as if im choking yet the room continues to get hotter, or is it just me, i see mum come running towards me out of the corner of my eye yet im still stuck in this slow perusal of Tristan. Feeling like i have no control over my body whatsoever i take one small step towards him all the while everything in my existence fades out to grey, just me and him is left, i finally look him in the eyes. 

He's glaring at me, his eyes are as cold as the pacific ocean. I can see his nostrils flaring even from this distance. It takes me a second to realize that the whole time i stood here panting over him like a dog he stood there and glared at me. My subconscious cannot take it for some unknown reason, it feels like a rejection and as a result my body wants to shut down. Just before my head hits the floor i cant help but hope mum moved the broken cups on the floor, as i'm about to pass out directly over them.