Pregnant and Alone

Week 2

Luke yawned, still bustling about the small bakery kitchen. He had been exhausted, having worked a night shift at the ginormous grocery store, Hy-Vee. It was slow but still, it exhausted him and his tiny baby. He got home and slept for about two hours until he woke up to go to the bakery he worked at.

The owner of the small shop was as sweet as can be. Mrs. VanBünz had offered Luke a paid time off but Luke would never accept that offer, even if pregnant. He was raised to work for his needs and wants and he expects himself to do so now.

He bustled about the kitchen, checking the cupcakes in the oven, the cooling cheesecake in the fridge and checked the boiling caramel. He went over to the large mixer, full of icing and begin filling it into a frosting bag. The timer went off and he gently set the bag down and grabbed the cupcakes out of the oven and put them into the fridge to cool.

These cupcakes were an all time favorite of the customers of the town. The caramel drizzle and fluffy white icing looked so good, Luke had a hard time controlling himself from taking a small spoon of it.

A few hours later, Mrs. VanBünz came to the back. She chuckled as she saw Luke resting his head on the counter, the side of his face on the flour he sprinkled to roll out bread dough. She gently rubbed Luke's back, seeing his eyes flutter open.

"Mrs. VanBünz.... The bread.. The bread. Oh shit!!"

Luke sat up quickly, rubbing the flour around his face as he began to panic. The old lady hushed Luke, patting his shoulder gently. "Don't stress, darling. Go home and rest. The baby needs it. "
Luke looked down at the short and stout lady. He sighed and ran his flour covered fingers through his hair. "Are you sure? I can bake another batch of the br-"

Mrs. VanBünz cut him off with a wave of her hand. She pulled an envelope out of her pocket, handing it to Luke. " Go home, eat some dinner and clean up, then go to bed. No night shift for you tonight. Take care of that baby. "

Luke smiled, hugging his boss tightly. He felt tears rim his eyes as he showered her with thank you's. He took his paycheck, leaving with a sweet goodbye. He pulled his sweater around his body, keeping his hand over his stomach protectively.

He was extremely thankful for Mrs. VanBünz. She was such a kind women, a beautiful and thick German accent and a lovable face. Her husband was just as kind, wearing a cap and suspenders every time he came in which was at noon to bring his wife her lunch. He would bring Luke one as well since he was the only other baker there. The old man loved Luke as if he were his own son.

Luke started working their at sixteen and has loved it to this day. Nothing would change the sweet spirit that floats through that bakery. When his child grows older, he knows for sure that he would bring his baby there as much as possible. Grandpa and grandma like figures the VanBüns would be to his small treasure.

Luke closed his apartment door behind him, locking it as well. He hung his small sweater on a coat hook he put next to the door. He took off his shoes, putting on his pale yellow slippers. He shuffled into the kitchen, finding leftover pizza from yesterday's dinner. He microwaved the last two slices and sat on the couch and ate them as he watched his favorite show, Parks and Recreation.

His eyes slowly drifted to the leather journal, sat on the middle of his small coffee table. His chews stopped as he focused on the book. He paused his show and sat his plate on the table, picking up the journal. He opened it to the next clear page and took out his pen.

~~~~~~~

Dear Baby,

Today was rough for us. I worked the night shift at a grocery store and you probably didn't like that much. It will happen but hopefully not often. I think you enjoyed being at the bakery though. Mrs. VanBünz is the sweet old lady I work for. She cried at the news of you. She can't wait to hold you in her arms. Almost as much as I would like you out right now. Mr. VanBünz was happy as well. They will probably be your Grammy and Grandpa.

Grandma Liz and Grandpa Andrew would want them to be there for you.

I love you, precious.

Love, Daddy