Baked Goods

19. 'tis a visitor

1 9

"Can I have another pot?" I requested as the brownie batter started to spill.

We had a big order to deliver tonight. When I said 'we', I meant the guys. Even Malachi was going which seldom happened.

"The legal kind," I joked as Cliff came over.

It was way past my work hours. Usually, I left around four pm. But I knew I'd probably be crouched in the corner of my room, crying as usual so I begged Malachi to let me help. At times, it got quite difficult to pretend that nothing was changing and I wasn't growing old. I did not like change at all. I wanted to be eighteen forever and I wanted to live with my Nana forever. I wanted Ellis and Lacey to always be my best friends and I wanted to Greggs' toastie to be my favourite food.

Too bad life couldn't come to a stop still.

"You know we can tell when you're upset, right?" Cliff came over to stand next to me as I poured half of the brownie batter into another pot.

Ha. Pot.

"Sit down before you hurt yourself," he ordered, pulling me next to him on the bench. "What's wrong, Willow? Are you okay?"

I sighed when he gave me a blank stare.

"I'm in a slump. I don't like the pottery I make and I don't like the work that I do here. I don't even like watching my TV shows–actually, no, that's a lie. I do like watching my TV shows but I don't laugh as much. For example, I normally cry laugh at season 6 episode 21 of The Office when Dwight gets startled by Angela but I didn't even laugh at that."

It did not make sense why I was feeling this way. Lacey was back to being my friend. Ellis had begged me to be his friend again. My videos were doing well. I was working hard at the bakery. So why did I feel like Kevin after he dropped a pot of chilli?

"You've been extremely productive," Cliff pointed out. "September is next month and you've spent all summer working. It's bound to make anyone feel burnt out. You know we get days off, right? Why don't you use them? Take a break from everything–even making videos. Just have fun and maybe it'll help."

I nodded.

If not, I could always sue Malachi for fun and giggles.

"Why would you sue Malachi?"

My eyes widened. Had I said that out loud?

Cliff frowned. "Has he been mean to you again?"

I shook my head vigorously. Malachi had been a sweetheart, actually.

"I was just kidding." It wasn't a good joke.

"Tell me if he's rude, alright?"

Malachi could take Cliff in a fight. He was taller and now that I'd hugged him and felt his biceps, I also knew he had more muscles than his employees. It was truly a wonder that none of them were getting fat from all the brownies. I'd weighed myself and I had gained a kilo.

Maybe I should go vegan.

No.

Vegetarian?

No.

"Let's get you home," Malachi popped his head through the door when it was getting dark outside.

"Can't I come with you guys?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

When he shook his head, I sighed and removed my apron.

"Wear this." Something soft touched my arm. "It's a little chilly outside. Bring a sweater from now on."