IT WAS SIX in the evening and the shop was still empty - like usual not a sale. With just the sound of a bee buzzing being heard in the empty room. The temperature outside started dropping as the sun went down, making me switch on the heater in the shop.

Arryn was pretty normal after the conversation in the kitchen, while I couldn't stop thinking about it again and again. She was always like this - ever since we were little, she never liked stretching arguments after they ended, said it gives too much stress on her precious brain. Now, I can't agree more. If I think about it, she was always too smart for her age.

I peered at the open notebook in front of me as I repeatedly clicked the button of the pen in my hand, the bills were too many and I had nothing in the name of cash. If things go like this I've to take more loans in addition to the ones I'm due to pay back. With that thought, my vision shifted to the black binder sitting next to the notebook, the one Elijah gave me.

It was the agreement of selling this bakery space - to his dad.

Elijah's dad is filthy rich, a true businessman. He got his eye on my shop, he wants to buy it because of the location - in between a busy market. Which is perfect for yet another shop of his sports equipment franchise.

Ever since his dad talked to Elijah of this matter, he just doesn't let it go - being aware of my sentiments for it. Sometimes I feel he's with me just for this space - after all, he is the son of a businessman.

"Strawberry!" Arryn's voice echoed in the room jolting me back to reality as I gaped at her wide-eyed.

"Where are you lost? What is that?" she inquired eyeing the open black binder in my hand.

I sighed, "Agreement of selling this shop..."

"Wha- Are you stupid?" she laughed like it was some joke while I stared at her, sighing.

"You'll not sell this shop, strawberry," she stated, closing the binder and pushing it far away on the counter. "This is your dream, look around!"

"It's turning into a nightmare..." I bit my cheek, saying the words I never believed until now. It seemed like Elijah's words finally made sense, he's not wrong after all.

"No!" she clicked her tongue, moving her head sideways. "You'll not give up this quickly, my strawberry is not a quitter!"

The words 'my' made me smile, there was something about the way she said - it felt like I mattered to someone. Someone trusted me, believed in me... Someone believed in my dreams.

"Yeah, I'm not, cupcake." I gushed, looking at her while she reflected my smile.

"Amazing, now I've got a plan." she grinned within herself, probably thinking of something.

"Take a couple of boxes and pack your best cakes in them," she instructed while I groaned thinking it's probably something stupid.

"Just do as I say, meanwhile I'll close the shop." my eyes broadened as I bombarded her with questions - which she ignored and did what she wanted. I too did as she asked, knowing well there's no way one can fight her if she has made up her mind.

After around ten minutes the shop was closed and I stood outside with two cardboard boxes in my hands and I glared at Arryn who was sitting on her motorcycle asking me to hop on.

"I'm not sitting with you-"

"Promise, I'll drive slow," she groaned, getting impatient with me. The sun was now down leaving the sky in a shade of dark blue and orange. A wave of chilly air hit me as I shuddered, rolling my eyes and finally giving in. I got no other option, I know she won't drive slow.

"Cupcake, where are we going?"

"It's a surprise," she said putting on the helmet and reviving the engine. "Sit tight strawberry, cause I won't drive slow."