Kindle's POV
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I wake up to the sound of birds chirping outside my window. A smile plays on my face as I also smell the savory scent of eggs and bacon. My mother must be making breakfast for me. A soft breeze teases my hair as it blows through my open window.
"That feels nice."
I open my eyes and to my surprise I'm not at home with my parents. This is my apartment. I swing my feet out of bed and step on some blankets that must have fell off my bed last night. Pulling on my bathrobe and slippers, I hurry out of my bedroom ready to face the stranger in my apartment. Nearing the kitchen I peer slyly around the corner.
Relief fills my lungs as I remember that it's only Miles. I remember the hectic scene last night that happened. That was something else. I walk into the kitchen.
"Morning." I say cheerfully. I must've startled him for he jerks slightly.
"Morning."
"Wow, you get up really early. I usually get up too late for breakfast."
"Just a habit." He's more of the quiet, strange type but that intrigues me to know even more about him. That was something my mom always thought weird about me.
'You always wanted to be more around unusual people than people like yourself.'
I smile to myself. I've never thought that true of me until now.
I didn't know what to do with myself, so I just wandered about the kitchen. I decided to busy myself with getting changed, so heading back to my bedroom I examine my closet. "What to wear, what to wear?" My hand reaches to snatch a lime green top off the rack when I shrink back. "Green? I don't know if it will go well with the aurora I'm feeling." So instead I pluck a dandelion yellow shirt from the rack. "Perfect. Now the shoes." I go with a worn out pair I've had for years. "I need some more shoes. I need some more shoe money." Completing my outfit, I slip on a pair of blue jeans.
My hair, though, is a different story. My wild honey blond hair has never wanted to behave. Whether it's too dry, too greasy, too tangled my hair always has an excuse not to want to corporate. Most of the time I end up putting it in a ponytail and leaving it like that for a few days. For as long as I can remember, my hair has always been shoulder length and is probably the most easiest that way.
I give one final glance in the mirror, for my outfit, before looking myself intensively. Ever since I was young, I've given myself prep talks before starting the day. As strange as it is, it helps me get through those tough days when I feel like nothing is working.
"OK Kindle, this is it. So yesterday was a little shaky, but you'll do better today. Even if you didn't get the manager position that you wanted, Clique still needs you and you still love Clique. Just try to be happy for Jenny cause you don't know her story. In fact, try to get to know her a little more today, invite her for lunch or something. Alright Kindle, you got this."
Pumped up and ready to go, I head to the kitchen to find something somewhat healthy to eat. Miles is still busy fixing himself something to eat. "See, I'm sure there's something to eat in here." This whole week has gone by with me skipping breakfast and starting today it will no longer happen. But as I shuffle through the fridge, it appears that I have nothing quite filling to eat. Unsatisfied, I comprise and pull out a box of chocolate chip cookies and a can of diet Coke. "If I believe it's healthy, then it certainly must be." But even with my assurance it still feels like a crappy breakfast. Oh well.
"What's that?"
I pause my cookie in mid-air from my mouth and face Miles. He seems disappointed. "Probably cause you're eating the worst breakfast know to man."
"My breakfast." I reply uncertainly. I'm slightly embarrassed now for being caught but there's really nothing else to eat.
"Oh. I was making you something but if you that instead, that's fine."
I was pleasantly taken back. Someone other than my parents were making me breakfast? I beamed and felt tears tugging at my eyes. "Don't cry now Kindle. It's just breakfast." Still the jester was touching.
"Thank you." I say pushing the sweets away."So what are you making?"
"Eggs and bacon. Sorry I used all your eggs, I'll buy you some more."
I didn't even realize I had eggs. In fact I didn't even realize I had enough ingredients to even make a meal. I should probably look a little harder at things.
My mother would probably have a heart attack if she knew I was letting a stranger cook breakfast for me in my own house. 'They could try to poison you or make you sick so they could steal from you.' It's safe to say my mom doesn't have the fondest trust of strangers. But really we go to restaurants all the time and trust them not poison us. But that could explain the reasons why my mom doesn't eat out often. Besides the vibe I'm getting from Miles seems like he would never do such a thing.
Miles has a very strange air about him. He speaks rather low compared to people's normal voice level. He also seems confused all the time, since it's like every time I talk he has this weird expression on his face like I'm speaking a different language. Well grant it everyone seems to look at me like that sometimes. But Miles is different, more innocent in a way. Maybe that's why I couldn't let him walk into that sinister looking motel. He would've if I let him. Nobody with common sense and experience watching horror movies would've walked into that place. But he seemed so trusting of it. Still I find that one of the most intriguing things about him.
I look down at the plate he sets before me. It smells really good and is making my first choice for breakfast look pretty weak. As I pick up my fork I see him leaving the kitchen.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm going to change and then I'll wash the dishes I used."
I thought he was cooking for the both of us. I'm about to offer to share, but he has already left the room. I feel bad for eating the effort he made without getting anything in return. But that feeling only last for a second once I look down at the plate. There probably wasn't enough here to share. It was just the right proportion for one- if even one- person. The only time I ever saw somebody use the correct food proportions was during my health class, and even the teacher never used it. Miles though is the exception. Probably explains why he's so fit.
I savor the meal though and after finishing it, realize how hungry I had been. I was still slightly hungry due to the proportions. Not wanting to insult Miles, if he can back in and saw me rummaging through the cabinets, I showed self-restraint and put my plate into the sink.
Checking the microwave for the time, I decide to get ready for work. As I'm about to leave, I remember for the hundredth time that Miles is still here. He doesn't make much noise. I creep over to the bathroom and try to listen if there is any movement behind the door.
Leaning back somewhat, I'm about to call his name when the doorknob comes flying into my face. I reel back as I hold my nose which now throbs.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't hear you standing in front of the door." He explains.
"That's ok. I shouldn't have been standing so close to the door in the first place. I'll be fine." I remove my hands from my nose to prove my point. "It'll be fine. By the way, breakfast was delicious. I have to go to work now so... I mean you can stay here if you want. I'll be back."
He looks uncertain but nods his head. My nose is probably as red as a tomato, but there's nothing I can do about it now. I shoulder my purse and say goodbye as I hurry out the door.
*****
I realize on the way to work that I shouldn't have treated Miles like a puppy and told him to stay. He can leave if he wants, I'll just find out when I get home. Thinking about puppies does brighten my mood and coming into view of Clique Cupcakes just adds icing to the top.
Walking into work, I have my hopes high and they only falter a little when I see Cat giving me a look when I enter the kitchen.
"What happened?" Concern lines her face.
I sigh but put a smile back on my face. "Just a little incident."
"Thank God you're working back here and not up front. It looks like you got hit in the nose with a soccer ball."
"Really!? I look that bad?"
Instead of fretting about it, I ask about the celebration dinner last night.
"Oh yeah, it was nice. This guy was flirting with Jenny while we were there and he even brought us all a round. It was great, but I don't think Jen was into him. What about you? How was your night? Did you get all those errands done?"
"Yeah, it wasn't much. My night was...interesting."
"That's good. I think Jenny might be taking charge of the shop today."
"Really?" This was news. "Cameron's letting go of the reins today? Now that's interesting."
"I know right. I don't remember the last time Cameron has ever let anyone else run the store. She's probably freaking right about now."
I smile as I picture Cameron fighting herself near a phone, trying not to call every 5 minutes. Jennifer comes in from the front looking ready for a days work.
"OK ladies, I know Cammie isn't here to run the show today, but I and the costumers still expect perfection from our cupcakes. I know you girls can do it, so let's get started and have some fun."
And with that another great cupcake making day begins. I'm more alert this time and am trying my best to give Jennifer a great impression of me. The orders fly by and with each one I put my heart and soul into it. I may not be the best at cooking, but baking was a whole different realm. It never felt like work here, it always felt like I was in the kitchen baking with my girl friends. Sometimes I felt bad when I got a paycheck, because I didn't feel like I worked for it. But I remember the words that my dad told me before. 'If you find a job you love with all your heart, you never work a day in your life.' That statement stays with me everyday and it encourages me to work even harder.
When my lunch shift roles around, I find it the perfect opportunity to ask Jennifer to join me. Accepting my offer, we get in my car and drive to a café place Jenny recommends.
"Thank you for inviting me out to lunch with you, Kins. May I call you that?"
"Of course." I beamed.
"We probably shouldn't tell Cammie though. If she knows I left her precious shop alone for even a second, she'll be down my back till she goes and manages the second shop."
As we're ordering I decide to break the ice and ask a few questions. Something I was told I was good at. I'll start off easy.
"So...what do you like best about Clique?"
"Well first and foremost I like the people there. Everyone just brings a different vibe to the place."
"How did you meet Cameron and get the job." I ask nonchalantly.
"We met when I was coming out of an interview for another bakery. I was pretty upset that I had botched the interview and she just comforted me and offered me a job at Clique. After tasting one of the cupcakes I was sold."
I smiled. "Our cupcakes are the best."
We pause as our food is brought out. Jenny ordered a rather dry looking flatbread sided with a small salad. My order was a dry looking hot dog and a side of pale looking french fries. I guess everything was required by management to be throat drying. Jenny shook her head at her sandwich- I would too.
"This is the only problem with this place. Do you want to split my sandwich, Kins? It's just a little bit more than I can handle."
I stand corrected. The only two people who follow the food proportions are Miles and Jennifer. That one measly sandwich doesn't even look like it could hold one person over, better yet two. I'm looking at my own plate wondering if it'll hold me over. Even if I take some of her food, I still won't be able to make it to dinner. I need to stop eating with these kinds of people- I'll starve to death!
"Sure I'll try some." I want to be nice so I accept her offer. "Anyway, are you excited about the new position?"
"Of course!"
"So how do you see Clique growing in the future?"
She chuckles. "What is this? An interview." She looks at me more serious. "But honestly, can I tell you something, Kins? You can't tell Cammie though."
"Um..." I don't like to keep secrets, especially from people that I care about.
She continues on as if I agreed. "I don't think I'll stay with Clique." She must not see my shocked face for she continues on. "Yeah. I'll grow out of it eventually. Maybe start my own cupcake store and take a few of the recipes with me, just for good luck you know. But I know you won't tell anyone. You're too sweet for that Kins."
I can't believe she's saying this all with a straight face and that she thinks I won't tell Cameron. We need someone that will stand by the store, not steal from it. Cameron put all her effort and hard work into those recipes. I'm getting out of here. I excuse myself to go to the bathroom, but instead head out the door and sneak off into my car. That place had some awful food, so before I go back to work, I stop at a fast food place and eat a nice filling sandwich and fries.
Once I'm at work I can't get what Jennifer said off my mind. I don't tell Cat and them what happened, they'll find out soon enough. Jennifer doesn't come back to work by the end of the day and I feel slightly worried that something bad happened to her. But I push that away and leave work promptly at quitting time.
By the time I'm nearing home, I'm calmed down and have figured out what to do with the situation. That's when I remember that I need to buy eggs. "Well there's no harm in getting some."
I stop by the supermarket to get some eggs and milk- having to stop myself from going near the ice cream section. As I wait in line, I look at the tabloids on the shelves. "Why are other people always looking to catch people at their worst moments. That's terrible." My thoughts are interrupted by someone's clearing of the throat.
An impatient looking cashier taps his fingers in wait for me to move up.
"Any day."
I hurry to move up, being pressed down upon by a busy businessman.
"Good evening." I greet brightly.
I don't receive a response, but unlike Miles, this one is cold. The man checks out my items and before he's finished I add a candy bar in. "This too please."
"Of course." He retorts. "You're the reason everyone else has to work extra hours. All you people that have to be supplied for by welfare."
"Uh?"
"Typical."
I didn't know what he was talking about. I just ignore the comment. Maybe he had a bad day, I shouldn't judge him because of it.
"Your total is 4.12."
Pulling a crumpled wad of bills out, I search for the right amount. Reaching into my pocket, I pull out some change but end up dropping it on the floor. I hear the cashier let out an exasperated sigh as I bend to pick up the fallen change. Finally managing to get my money in order, I hand him my amount due.
"This is only 3.88. The total was 4.12. I guess she can't count either, see we're just throwing tax money out the window trying to teach them. Probably spending all the money on those useless PE classes for people like her." He makes sure I hear it all.
"Hey! That's incredibly rude! I'm not dumb, I just miss counted is all. And you shouldn't call people fat, especially your costumers. "
"Well I was just telling you the honest truth about yourself." He sneers at me. "Just look at yourself."
I'm dumbfounded. Even if you're having a terrible day you should never belittle someone like that.
The man behind me the business suit, looking rather important, taps his foot impatiently. Checking his watch he grumbles. "Come on. Some of us have places to be."
"4.12." The cashier repeats.
Feeling pressured, I hurry to pull out the remaining cash. Once he hands me my receipt, I hurry to grab my bagged items and dash out the store. That was too embarrassing. My cheeks are burning red and my pulse is racing.
I turn on my radio. That always makes me feel better and after awhile of sing along, it works. I'm nearly home and have forgotten the awful day I just had. I wanna go home, eat leftovers, and binge watch wedding shows. Seeing other people be happy, makes me all the more happier.
As I'm driving down the road I hear a disturbing sound and suddenly my car begins to slow down to a sluggish "chug". Finally it dies on me.
"Come on, come on." I bang desperately on the steering wheel but to no avail. The gas meter reads empty. "I knew I should've brought some more gas. But I don't have any gas money. Great."
Taking out my phone I dial a nearby towing company but only to find out, by a answering machine, that it's closed for the day. I try another number and this time I get an actual person.
"Sorry ma'am,you would have to come tomorrow morning to pick it up. We can at least get somebody to pick it up, but after that we're closing down shop for the day."
Agreeing to that deal, I wait outside my car and try to gather back the positive energy I had this morning.
"Alright Kindle, so this day hasn't gone exactly like you hoped it would, but that's the great thing about life. Cause if you plan negative things they don't always happen-"
My thoughts are interrupted by a strange gurgling sound in my stomach. Suddenly and without warning, I hurry over to the side grass where I empty the contents of my earlier, dry hot dog and equally dry sandwich. "I knew I shouldn't have trusted someplace that follows food proportions."
Not having any water to rinse my mouth out with, I stand there uncomfortable until the tow guy comes. I'm too embarrassed to speak and tell him I just simply ran out of gas. Besides my breath probably reeks. Before he takes off, the tow guy ask if I have a ride to where I need to go.
"Yeah." I lie for the second time today. Satisfied, he takes off down the road with my poor car in tow.
Holding my groceries, I start off towards home and still try to stay positive even though I'm feeling like the weight of the universe is on my shoulders.
"You're doing great. It's only a little ways off, you got this. Besides this will count as double exercise- in fact it should count as triple! And if we even want to be more daring, qua-"
That's when the heavens opened up and God dumped all the tears, I wanted to cry, down upon me. Deciding to take it in stride, I open my mouth and try to catch the droplets. It'll wash out the acidity taste lingering in my mouth. But instead I end up swallowing it the wrong way and get water in my nose and tripping over my feet. I hear the crack of the eggs as they break and I feel the yolks drip down my wet clothes. My candy bar also didn't survive the fall and is smeared with the yolk.
I don't cry though. I just get up and continue on my journey towards home. Fuming in my mind I think about all the bad things that has happened to me today.
"Why is this happening to me? I'm sure nothing like this ever happened to Jennifer. No, I bet you right now she's at home all snuggled up in her warm, dry house, eating her correctly proportioned dinner. Yeah. Her and that mean cashier and that friendly tow guy and the polite woman at the tow center."
To make matters worst, I'm splashed twice before I reach my apartment. They didn't even bother to apologize in the least. The rain is freezing and by the time I manage to open my soggy purse and pull out my keys, I'm shivering.
"Yeah. When I get in I'm gonna change my clothes, take a hot bath, eat some leftovers, binge watch TV, and forget about everyone-"
When I open the door, I'm greeted by the soft sound of classical music and the savory smell of something good cooking in the kitchen. The room looks warmer and appears tidied. My clothes that were scattered about are now nowhere to be seen and the collection of dust building in the corners are gone.
I step into the room wondering, what magic cleaning fairies came while I was gone, when I spot Miles looking sheepishly at the ground.
"Sorry if I touched your items, I just needed something to do and I wanted to be useful. Besides cleaning helps me think."
I'm speechless and stunned. I actually forget through the course of the day that he was here.
"I started cooking dinner." He looks up at me still somewhat shy. "I don't know if you like pasta."
He has to know what a mess I look but he doesn't say anything. I can feel the tears rising up in me and as I close the door louder than I intended, he quietly adds.
"And I brought some more eggs, they're in the fridge-"
And with that he has to say no more. The weight of this horrid day and his unconditional kindness sending me into full steam crying. Without a second thought I fly into his arms, mess or not, and I cry harder than the angels in heaven.