Growing Old

CHAPTER 1- Things Have Changed

​"I would have died if Ma weren't there! I mean there were monsters in the water!" A boy's voice yelped.

​"There weren't any monsters!" A girl's voice protested.

​"Yes, there were!"

​"No!"

​"Yes, there were! I felt one pinch my foot!"

​"Romeo, don't lie," Charles said, looking down at our son.

He was only six and his youth showed. He had cute round cheeks that were littered with freckles and dirty blond hair. His eyes were so blue you could mistake them for the sky.

​"I'm not lying though! There were monsters in the water!"

​"I believe him!" Paris, our daughter agreed.

She was a spitting image of Charles. Her hair was a deep brown, and her eyes were the color of chocolate. She was just five and much more sophisticated than her brother. Her hair was kept down letting her subtle curls rest on her shoulders.

​"There aren't any monsters in the bath," I assured. "Just as there aren't any monsters under the bed."

​"I believe Mama now," Paris said grabbing my hand.

​"You can't switch sides!" Romeo complained.

​"Well, I just did!" I giggled at the two children.

​"We're here!" a voice from the door spoke. Paris quickly let go of my hand and ran into the shop with Romeo slightly behind her.

Paris pulled the door open while Romeo ran inside, Charles and I following shortly behind.

​"Auntie Delilah!" The two kids called.

​"Children!" A familiar voice called. I looked around to find my redheaded friend at the cash register.

​"Hello, Delilah!" I spoke. The door to the kitchen swung open to reveal a face that had grown familiar over the last few years.

​ "Auntie Izzie!" Romeo called running up the woman. She gladly hugged the boy with a smile on her face. She let go of the hug and walked up to Delilah, hugging her from the side.

​Izabelle was Delilah's fiancé. Though the world had always been against them they stuck together. Love was all they seemed to need.

Izabelle was always down to bake with Delilah so when Mrs. Patterson got ill and was unable to work anymore, Delilah took on the job.

​"Hello Charlotte, and Charles!" She paused a bit before saying anything. "The usual?"

​"I think we can hold off today, Paris has already had a tart this morning and Romeo had a pastry," Charles said ruffling Romeo's hair.

Paris and Romeo pouted.

​"I don't see why we can't get something for later," I said simply.

"Yeah, I agree with Charlotte! And if you do not want the desserts, you can just save them for later."

"Eh, we'll see. The kids are hyper today. How've you guys been?" Charles said.

"Quite well," Delilah said with a smile.

"You are our first customers, but it makes sense, it is only seven."

"It's already seven?" Charles looked to the large clock in the corner of the bakery. "Geez. I guess time flies when you are having fun!"

"You have to go already?!" Romeo pouted.

"Sorry, Bud, but I do!" Charles said walking towards the door. "Be good for your mother!" Charles closed the door and sprinted off towards the school.