Kat
I woke up early and softly trudged down the stairs, checking on the dough before pulling out everything I needed for the rest of the day. I put an apron on before getting started.
After about an hour, Jack came down, sitting at the table, drinking his coffee watching me as I continued to stir and mix.
"Where did you learn all this?" He asked once I placed the dough in the oven.
I wiped my floured spotted face on my arm, brushing my hands off on my apron before sitting down in front of him. "Uh, well cooking, I learned that on my own, but baking? Yeah, my step mum taught me that." I shrugged as I poured myself a cup.
"Your mom never taught you?" He asked as I stirred in the cream and sugar.
"Nah, she seemed to have more important things to do. Especially with the boys, her pride and joy." I grinned, sarcastically throwing up my hands in mock excitement. "Golden sons seem to be a lot more valuable than a bronze daughter." I frowned.
"I wish you could see how truly valuable you really are, Kitten. Then maybe, your mother wouldn't have so much power over you." He frowned sympathetically, brushing back my hair. "You are so much stronger than you know, and that fear of people seeing you as weak and vulnerable? You just need to let go." I frowned at this. "The right person will come into your life one day and show you that it's ok to feel that way, but they will never leave your side, no matter what." He kissed the top of my head.
"You should listen to him. He knows because he was that someone for me." Kristia smiled, rubbing her husband's shoulders planting a kiss on his cheek. I gleamed at the sweet interaction. "I get how you're feeling, Bonita, but someday some man is going to sweep you off your feet, and you'll barely remember ever feeling like this. A good man can change everything."
"So can a bad man," I mumbled under my breath as they continued being cute. "Anyways, I'm gonna go upstairs, get dressed, and then I'll be back." I smiled politely before leaving them be.
Once I got into my room, I brushed out my hair, brushed my teeth, slipped on my skirt and an off-the-shoulder top, and added some light mascara to my already dark lashes before walking back downstairs to see everyone sitting at the table eating breakfast.
"Come join us, Kitty." Pia grinned as I took a seat between him and Via, who was in her high chair. "Are you ready for the ceremony tonight?!"
"Yeah, you?" I smirked as a dark blush formed at the base of his neck.
"Uh, yeah."
"Hmm." My little smirk inched bigger into a grin.
"Oh! Kitty Kat, do you have a dress picked out for the ceremony?" He asked, changing the subject.
"Huh? I thought I'd just go in this?" He completely took me off guard.
"Oh! Don't worry! I have a friend down in the market who is a seamstress. She could whip you one up today! But we need to get there now." Kristia exclaimed as she jumped out of her seat, yanking me out of mine and dragging me out the door.
"Fia!" Kristia exclaimed, leaving her hand over her head at a gorgeous woman with perfectly smooth, chocolate-colored skin and stunning teal eyes. My mouth nearly dropped at the sight of her. She didn't seem old enough to own her own business, but who knows, she could be 35? "Fia, this is my Sobrina, Katalena. Kat, this is my best friend, Fia; we met in escuela many years ago." She beamed.
"So, what can I help you with, mi amiga?" Fia asked.
"Kat needs un vestido for the ceremony," Tia said, pushing me forward.
"Good thing today is my day off!" The beautiful woman smiled.
A vest? I thought before shrugging and following the lady inside a shop filled to the brim with beautiful gowns and fabrics of every color you can think of!
"This place is gorgeous!" I beamed as the older women lightly laughed.
"What is your favorite color?" Tia asked.
"Actually, would you mind if I made you something special?" Fia asked.
"Uh, sure, thank you." I smiled before she pulled me into a back room, taking all my measurements. It was kind of invasive and embarrassing, but I managed to get through it.
"Your dress will be ready by tonight. Shoo shoo!" She bubbled as she gently pushed us from the store so she could get started on the dress.
"Cool, now what?" I asked Tia.
"We should probably get back home so you can finish baking, and by then, the dress should be done." She smiled as we walked back to the house.
After the bread and cakes were finished, I had Pia take them over to Casita while Tia and I walked down to get my dress.
"Marvelous! I just finished! Now, let's get you dressed, and I can hem it if need be." Fia beamed as she pulled us into the back room.
Once the dress was on, they wouldn't let me see myself in the mirror until they were done. They pulled my hair into a high ponytail and did my makeup before walking me over to a mirror.
"Open your eyes," Tia whispered as my eyes fluttered open to see a beautiful woman in front of me.
"That's me?" I breathed as they squealed. I touched my face, and she did the same. I smiled at my reflection before Tia took my arm and Fia's before walking to Casita.
A/N Yes, I did use Maria from the book of life. Deal with it.
