Racing Andrius

Peter: Waiting

I knew Andrius was not angry. Andrius was almost never angry and today was no exception. Today he was just frustrated. Frustrated that Cassio and Davies had a skirmish that that could have been prevented if the bystanders took action and prevented the situation from escalating. 

Andrius and I were seated outside the bowling alley clinic. He decided not to leave until the situation was completely resolved. In other words, I would not be able to go back home until Cassio and Davies went home, but to my relief, Davies and Cassio soon exited in silence both with several bandages and smelling of medicinal cream. 

Andrius stood and led us all to the exit. 

"Have a good weekend Andrius, Peter, and...er...Cassio," Davies said before walking quickly towards his car. 

"Have a good night Andrius," Cassio said but before he could leave, Andrius stopped him. Cassio looked at him questioning

"Be more careful next time. Davies doesn't usually go bowling especially on Friday night. Even if he does, why does he make a trip all the way to your bowling alley when his own is closer. I don't think this is just a coincidence." Andrius said watching Davies car drive into the distance.

"Yeah, I thought it was strange at first then I forgot about it in the heat of the moment." Cassio said, "So what are we going to do next?"

Andrius paused to think before responding, "Wait. Wait for the person in the shadow's next move."

"Alright, you're the boss. I'll be more cautious next time."

Andrius nodded and lowered his hand. "Goodnight Cassio. Have a safe drive."

"Goodnight Andrius and Peter. Drive safe Peter." Cassio said

"Goodnight Cassio," I said then turned to Andrius, "Ready to head back?"

"Yes, but first let's buy a cake for your mother."

"A cake?"

"Her birthday is tomorrow. Did you forget?"

"Of course not," I said almost indignantly causing Andrius to raise an eyebrow, "I just didn't realize yet."

"We should get going," Andrius said,

"Will there be a bakery still open now?"

"You must have forgotten what other business besides cars my family owns."

"Right. The one and only 24-hour bakery." I said, "Let's get going then,"

"Do you even know where it is?"

"Yes, but just in case I will have SearchIt Maps on," I said and walked quickly to my car. I did not want to see Andrius' expression although I had a feeling he was silently judging my forgetfulness.

The bakery Andrius' family owns was very well known for being open 24 hours even on most holidays. It was called, "Amadeus Melody Bakery," and it was named after Andrius' mother who founded their most famous cake: Cloud 9 Napoleon.  

I glanced at Andrius who was staring out the backseat window. Was he thinking or just spacing out? Hopefully he doesn't mind it too much that I forgot that his family owns a bakery and where it is. It's technically not my fault since I am not a big fan of sweets and my mother loves making cookies whenever I visit so taking a special trip to the bakery is not really worth it. 

"Andrius? Why are you so certain that there is a man in the shadows?" 

"Isn't it obvious? Everything that has happened so far cannot simply be a coincidence."

"Are you referring to everything that happened ever since...the accident?"

Andrius was silent for a moment. "That was no accident...Charlie was murdered." he said 

I sighed, "But the testament from the truck driver said that his brake stopped working, plus it had just rained and the roads were slippery. Also it just so happened you were going downhill on a mountain side."

"It was much more complicated and too well timed. That truck's brakes broke right when it switched into our lane."

"But the report said the truck brakes broke a while before but it accelerated because its tire burst. I get that you might think it was planned, but all the evidence points to that it was simply an accid-"

"You weren't there!" Andrius said loudly, and I flinched. 

"Sorry." I said quietly. 

Andrius sighed and fidgeted with the map pocket, "It was not an accident."

I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair and realized we had already arrived. I quickly switched into the turning lane then, unintentionally a little too sharply, swung into the parking lot of the bakery. 

"Peter!" Andrius said 

I glanced at him through the rear view mirror and muttered, "Sorry about that...didn't realize we arrived."

Andrius huffed and straightened in his seat, "What cake were you thinking of buying?"

"My mother doesn't really eat cake but...let me think..." 

"Charlie usually gets her the tiramisu. Just thought I should let you know."

I muttered, "Thanks," as I pushed open the door and a little bell rang with a singular cheerful note. 

The aroma of fresh baked creamy pastries washed over me like a wave. Several of the booths were filled with people chatting or working while enjoying a small dessert. I automatically walked towards the window display that presented all different kinds of cake, each delicately made. Mocha Mousse, Matcha Creme, Cloud 9 Napoleon, I thought as I scanned the daily specials and my eyes landed on the tiramisu with its ladyfinger and its strawberry mascarpone  layers. My heart felt heavy at the memory when Charlie brought it home for the first time and we all ate it together in a circle. Mother's smile was never brighter...but I quickly shook the thought away. 

"Why don't I get her the Cloud 9 Napoleon since it seems like it is the last one?" I said optimistically.

"Charlie got her that once when you weren't around and she didn't like it as much as the tiramisu." Andrius said

I sighed, "Okay. I'll get it then." 

Andrius beat me to actually buying the cake and before we knew it, we were getting back into the car and driving back to my house.