Two week passed since I met Giant and Sweet tooth. Last week all of us took Emily to another hospital for her checkup. Turns out she was eating too much greasy food and soda which caused an infection in her kidneys. We were all scared because of what happened to Sierra’s dad. Dr. Maverick Black, a pediatric specialist, who was the most sought after child specialist, took one look at Emily’s crying face and handled her case. Emily has that effect on people. After thorough inspection, he assured us that little Em would be alright with the right diet and care. After discharging Emily, we stayed with Sierra for a week. Emily was better and we were all thankful. It was Sophia who suggested that we have a slumber party week. Something we, me, River, Sophia, Sierra did when we were free. Sophia, she was another girl in our odd squad. She was the voice of reason in all our heads. Lean body, moss green eyes, red hair, she was the most mature of us all. 

It always amazed me how we came to being the best buddies. Me, a baker who had no one but my instinct to survive, Sierra, a single mom going through shitty family but never let it take her down, River, a hardworking boy making sure his mom gets the best care even though we all know she might not make it through and Sophia, a heiress from a family that put the evil stepmother from Cinderella to shame. Truly we all fit like a perfect little family for little Emily, who was the sunshine of our lives. 

All of us went back to work the week after. Things were good now that Emily was better. Sierra even hired a new nanny, a sweet forty year old Latina who fell in love with Emily on the first sight. Well who wouldn’t? Emily was the sweetest child, with light blue grey eyes, blond curly hair and dimples that makes us go Awww when she smiles. Maria, the nanny assured us she’ll take care of Emily like she was her own and we believed her. It was like a weight lifted from our hearts after meeting Maria ourselves. 

Monday came and I made my decision to call Giant. I guess I was just curious and even though curiosity killed that cat but I believed satisfaction would bring it back. The card Giant or James Dumas as I came to know, only had a cell phone number which probably was his own. There was a note that had a number and a name, Lillian Moore, who I presumed was his assistant. I decided to call Ms.Moore.

 I dialed Ms. Lillian’s number. She picked up on the second ring.

“Good Morning, Mr.Dumas assistant here. How can I help you?” her voice was sweet, melodious  and soft. It was 8 pm and she was this cheerful, Giant must pay her good. 

“Miss Lillian, I am Scarlet Morris speaking from Sweet Bakes. Last week Mr. Dumas came to my bakery and wished to book my catering service. He gave me your number and told me to give you a call.” I continued.

The line when silent for a second, making me think she hung up. Before I could say anything she was making a squeaking, guttural, something-stuck-in-the-throat like sound. 

“Did he now. That piece of shit. How did he dare go to Sweet Bakes and get me nothing. That arrogant ass. Shit. I am so sorry Miss Scarlet. Please excuse my French or curse or Ughh. Yes yes you are right. There is an after party at Mr.Dumas home on next month on a Sunday evening. Just a small get together, less than ten people. It will be a simple luncheon catering. I will email you the details and the list of food allergies and preferences. Would that be ok?” she asked taking mouthful of breaths. This girl was weird.

“Uhh. Sure. Here is my email, kindly mail me the menu you’d like and the details and I will get back to you.” I politely told her my email, not wanting to make this anymore weirder.

She laughed lightly, “I am really sorry for making this awkward. I will send you the details in a bit. And can I say something? Aside from this business talk? Even though it will probably make this more strange.” she asked.

“ Sure. Go ahead.” i said.

“ I freaking love your pastries and your dishes. God those macaroons, that fudge cookies, and oh oh don’t forget the pain au chocolat and  those grilled cheese sandwiches and Oh God, everything. I have eaten all of them a million times and I still love it. Thank you for existing. THANK YOUU!” she sounded like an excited kid in candy store. I think I like this girl, alot.

Chuckling, I made sure to tell her just that. “ You are very welcome and Thank you for liking my pastries. I will be sure to tell my people that you loved their food. I think I like you.” I smiled. It always made me happy when my customers loved what I made. Sweet Bakes was my passion, something I have always dreamed of to create a food family and spread my love through good and healthy food.

“ I know I like you for sure. I would love to come to Sweet Bakes again. Its been ages since I had eaten there. Hope to catch you too, Miss Scarlet.” she fruity spoke,

“ I would love to. It was nice talking to you and Scarlet is fine. If there is anything you want specially, kindly do let me know. I’ll be sure to make it for you.” I  promised her.

“ That will seriously make my day and you can call me Lillian. Mr.Dumas is calling me so I gotta go. It was so nice to talk to you, Scarlet. I will text you my personal number, call me anytime you want. I think we will be best friends in no time. I have forwarded the details to you already. Catch up with you later, Scarlet. I will see you next week.” she said with her sweet honey voice. Both of us bid our goodbyes and set a day to meet. I think I just made a new friend. 

Accepting the proposal for catering, I made my way downstairs. I lived in a four rooms apartment, upstairs of Sweet Bakes. It was spacious, with windows all around. There was abundant natural light, a small balcony and patio. I grew my own vegetables and fruits in the patio. A small garden with flowers and plants. My furniture was minimal, the walls painted of pastel colors. I had only splurged on the wood flooring when I bought this place. Every room had their own bathroom and shower. There was only two apartment, one of which I had given for rent. A preschool teacher who kept to herself. Her name was Rosemary, a sweet meek girl. She didn’t talk much, always payed her rent on time, never bought a guy home. Not that I was a nosey neighbour or anything but it was just something I noticed. I never saw anyone with her, no parents, no boyfriends, no friends, no one, period. At first it was strange but with time, we all got used to her quite persona. I had told her if there was something wrong she could always reach out to any of us. She merely smiled and said everything was fine. She just liked quietness after a day at school. It made sense. Kids never kept quiet. 

It was still early in the morning. I made my way to the back room where we prepared all our things only to find River, making chocolate chip cookies. He sometimes helped with making the cookies. 

“Hey River. How’s Anna? Did you finish your project you were talking about? Need any help?” I asked while taking out the ingredients for making Dark Chocolate Red Velvet cake for a customer. 

“Hey Scarlet. Mom’s fine although she has been asking about you. And yes I already submitted my project last night. Its all good.” he smiled. River was a cute boy with hazel eyes and curly hair. Emily always called him noodles. 

“Thats good. I’ll take some time after I close the shop to go meet her. And how’s Bea?” Beatrice or Bea was his girlfriend from high school. 

“She’s fine. Was missing your macaroons though.” a sheepish smile light up his face. 

Chuckling I teasingly scolded him,” You really need to stop sneaking my macaroons out for her. She’ll think its a free for life offer.”

“Well isn’t it?” he shrugged, putting the cookies in the oven.

“Meh. Might as well be.”It was.

“Well I have already made the cookies, and the cupcakes. Sia will be here in an hour to open the shop. And oh there was a bouquet of lilies when I came around six. Didn’t have a note with it though. Same as everyday.” he said, washing his hands and making it towards his stuff.

“Alright and drive safe. I’ll do the rest. Bye River.” I said, putting the cake in the oven and making my way towards the vast where beautiful white lilies were.

I didn’t know who kept sending me white lilies from the last six years infront of my bakery. At first I thought it was some crazy stalker or someone getting the address wrong. But it kept showing up at the bakery every day. Always white lilies. I didn’t even know how they knew my favorite flowers was white lilies. It just became a normal thing. Even though I had tried to catch the person behind it, it  was practically impossible. They’d always leave it at the back door. I even installed a web cam but wasn’t able to catch them. At first it was alarming and creepy but than it became normal. I guess. And it didn’t matter. I didn’t went to the cops because they never did anything to me.

The chiming of the door startled me from my train of thoughts. River must have forgotten to lock the door behind him. Cleaning my hands on the apron I had on, I made my way to the front of the shop only to find a man in a dark hoody, standing all tall and scary. Grasping the nearest thing that was a serrated knife, I tried to calm down my nerves.

“Hello. The bakery is still closed. You can come back around 10. We will be opened my then.” Shit, I forgot my phone in my bag.

The man stayed where he was, his hands in tight fists, his knuckles white. 

“Don’t take the catering offer.” he rasped out. His voice was so serene. A husky silvery sound, speaking with so much gentleness that I didn’t know what to make out of it. I was frozen, the knife in my hands, my breathing erratic and my eyes wide.

“Please.” one word and he turned, walking away making me stand there, confused. 

That just happened and I didn’t know what to make out of it.  Something was going on and all I could do was wait till it hit me right in the face.