Waiting For Autumn

Chapter: 3 - August

August 19th, 2015.

Autumn is 15

3:00pm soon came along, and I finally threw off my apron, and walked out the door, not looking forward to the mile ride home.
Exasperated, I remember I have to ride two miles more today, because aunt Robin wanted me to visit.
The hot afternoon sun beat down on my, much hotter than it usually does. Riding in August sure made it hard for me to keep my job.
Peddling slow, I turn the corner by Grandma's Bakery.  I usually pass by so fast, I don't ever notice it. My mouth began watering, and, not even thinking, my feet stop and bring the bike to a halt. To my convenience, the bike stops right outside the door perfectly, so I can look right in to all the delicious treats, unable to turn away or ride past.
I unconsciously fumble through my pockets, until my eager fingers finally found a 5 dollar bill.
"This isn't enough."
Still rummaging, I manage to pull out 5 quarters, 3 dimes, and 2 pennies.

"That's 6.57"

"Should be enough."

It seemed the idea of pastries had taken away all of my exhaustion and fatigue, and gave new life to energy and eagerness.

I almost walk with a skip in my step as I walk through the door. I inhale, and the smell of sweet donuts, danishes, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and other beautiful pastries filled the air, and into my nose.

"Ahh, it smells gorgeous Marg!"
I sigh.

The old woman behind the counter was dusting her hands off with towel, when she saw me and smiles.

Thanks, Hun! You interested in buyin' anythin', or are ya gonna start 'browsing' around and creepily smelling the pastries?"

Margaret laughed a big belly laugh.

"Haha, good one Marg. No, I actually have some money on me today."
I place some money on the counter.

"Alright honey, what can I 'getcher?"
She asks

"Um, well..."
I trace the cases of the gorgeous goods with one hand, while the other propped up my chin like was stroking an imaginary mustache.

Jelly donuts certainly caught my attention, but so did the custard danishes. And the glazed crescent rolls made my mouth water.

"Ok, how about I'll have one jelly donut,"

Margaret nodded, and grabbed it to put it in the white paper bag.

"And, how about a cinnamon roll for aunt Robin."

Again, Margaret took the pastry.

"Oh, and one glazed toasted crescent roll."

Margaret rolled up the bag.
"That'll be 6.60."

"Oh, and how about two chocolate chip cookies to save for a few da-"
"Wait, that's too much. I couldn't afford that."

Margaret just smiled and put the cookies in the little white bag.

Margaret leaned in and half-whispered,  half laughed,
"Here you are sugar, it's on the house."

And with a chuckle and a wink, she made her way to the back room, without looking back.

"Wai-"
I try to stop her, but when I realize she had already made up her mind, I just took the bag and left.

"What a nice woman. Margaret is like a grandma to everyone in Bridgeport."

I put the bag on the little black basket on my bike, and peddle off to my aunt Robin's house.