Life In The Big Apple

The mysterious girl

Lena's: POV
When l pulled up to the bakery this morning
And see my staff standing beside the store
I grabbed my bag and exit the vehicle. Walked down the street, l hoping to see that young girl again. Good morning
Ms. Lena Emory says to me, morning Emory and Chris
Are you guys ready for another exciting day Lena asked
Yes they both said unison. I disabled the alarm and we headed inside, l flipped on the switch to turn on all the lights on. Chris and Emory went to get clock in, l went back to the kitchen. And turned on the lights
I unlocked my office door, went in hung up my sweater on the hanger. I placed my bag in the bottom drawer
I took out my apron and tied around my waist
We weren't open until 9:00am. I gathered the trash to take it out back, l walked down the alley and spotted the mysterious girl laying on the carbon box asleep
I didn't wanna startle the poor thing awake. I lifted up the can to put trash full of garbage inside, l notice the young who appeared to look scared. Honey l'm not gonna hurt you, l was just bringing the trash out. Lena says to the girl
She nodded her head, Lena walked away and went back into the bakery. She washed her hands in the sink
Lena couldn't help to look into the girls trouble eyes
When she saw the girl up close, Lena dried her hands
Lena knows she'll run into the young teen again
Emory came in the kitchen. Ms. Lena there's a girl out back digging in the dumpster, Emory tells me
I know Emory l think she sleeps back there at night
Lena replies. That's a shame she looks so helpless
Emory says to me, l know sweetheart. I believe she's homeless and doesn't have a place to sleep at, let's get our started Lena tells Emory. Ms. Emory is there something we can do to help her, Emory asked me. I offered her something to eat yesterday and she refused, some people don't like taking handouts from strangers until then
We just hope she'll come around Lena said. Emory left out the kitchen, Lena went on about her day. Hoping she sees the girl. Until then Lena focus on her work, the bakery was now open for business this morning. Their were already customers coming in, Lena headed up to the front
She heard a woman requested a birthday cake. Lena listened in as Emory explains about the many cakes
They design. Emory showed the lady catalog of all the selections, then Lena went to see how Chris was working out. Over in the smoothie section, he had to people waiting. Chris was making a smoothie for one of patrons
Who were standing in line waiting patiently, Lena went back over to Emory. to see the woman who was still looking at the catalog, hi I'm Lena l overheard your
interest in ordering a cake. I make all types of cakes
Depending what your looking for, l also make specialty cakes in all shapes and sizes for any occasions. No job to big or small, Lena explains to the woman. Ok l wanna order my daughter a princess sheet cake, for her tenth birthday. The lady Stated, Lena begin writing down the woman's order. We can mostly do that for you
It's a fifty dollar non refundable deposit, it takes three days to get processed. The cake feeds up to twenty people
For the price for the whole sheet cake is 72.50, Lena said
Alright then the lady replies. We just need your contact info, once your order is done. I will call you personal
Lena hands the woman the order form, the lady fills it out
Emory could you come over here a second please
Lena calls out, Emory was just finishing up with a customer. The girl walked over to her boss
Lena excused herself away from the woman
Emory l need to make a bank run right quick
I'm leaving you in charge, while l'm gone
The lady that's standing over there just ordered a sheet cake. I've told her it's a fifty dollar deposit, Lena says to Emory, why are we charging her so much for a cake
Emory questions. Because all the cakes are made from scratch, and takes time to make Lena responds
I understand Emory said. Lena heads to the back
to get her bag and sweater, and the money from the safe
That's hidden in her office. Lena puts the black pouch inside her bag, Lena makes sure she has her pepper spray
Lena exits out of her office and locks the door. She goes out the back door, and sees the young girl sitting up against the wall reading a book. Lena tries not to stare
The girl looks up at Lena, is this your establishment
The homeless girl asks. it is Lena responded
What do you make in there, the girl inquiries
A little bit everything mainly sweets. What's your name
Lena knew she needed to tread lightly with the mysterious girl. My name is Lacey she says
It's nice to meet Lacey, l'm Lena by the way
I hate to cut this talk short but I have to go to the store
Lena States. Yeah l might not be here when you return
Lacey tells Lena, look honey it's dangerous out here in these streets and you need to be careful. How old are you
Lena asked, l'm fourteen l've been taking care of myself since I was eleven. Lacey told me, but that's way too young
For a child your age to be out here. Can l bring you back a sandwich or something, you look like you haven't eaten
Lena continues to talk. Lacey shrugged her shoulders
Nobody's ever been nice to her, Lacey's own mother
Could care less about her. All cares about was getting high
All the time, Lena walks down to where her car was
Since Lacey didn't reply. Lena unlocks the vehicle
Gets inside, buckles up her seat belt. Starts up the engine
Drives off.