Made to Shine

Made to Shine Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Saturday was a busy day at the bakery. Emily worked from sunrise until they closed at 5 PM. She did not have time to think about anything. Either she was helping on the front counter with her Grandma or she was icing cupcakes, cakes and cookies in the back for Grandpa. She moved around the bakery like a bee to different flowers, leaving smiles from customers in her wake. When they slowed down, around 3, and before the afternoon rush of everyone coming to get desserts for dinners and parties, she told Grandma of her evening plans.

"Grandma, a friend invited me over to their house for dinner. Is that OK?" Emily said with a sideways glance over to see Grandma's reaction.

"Of course dear. What is her name?" Grandma asked. She was so happy that Emily had a friend.

"His name is Ben. You know Ben Hayes. He lives a few blocks away."

"Oh, OK. Are you dating him?" Grandma asked inquisitively.

About that time, a couple of customers walked in. Saved by the bell. Emily really did not know what to tell Grandma. Were they dating? She didn't know. She wasn't sure how she felt about Ben and his attention towards her. She liked spending time with him. She was happy to see him when he showed up. She would feel butterflies in her stomach when he held her hand and last night, when he kissed her, she felt like her insides would turn to jelly.

"You know," Grandma said after the customers left, "Grandpa will want to meet him."

"OK. But, Grandma we are just friends." Emily not only assured Grandma, but herself.

Grandma told Emily that she would clean the bakery tonight, to go on upstairs and get ready for her friend. Emily went upstairs and looked through her clothes trying to find something decent to wear. She knew she did not have much, but hoped that maybe she could throw something together. She showered and began getting ready...and singing...

"When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary; 

When troubles come and my heart burdened be; 

Then, I am still and wait here in the silence, 

Until you come and sit awhile with me."

Ben was walking up the sidewalk to the bakery when he heard the angel singing again.

"You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains; 

You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas; 

I am strong, when I am on your shoulders; 

You raise me up... To more than I can be."

He stood at the corner of the bakery listening, then suddenly it stopped. He went to the alley and threw a pebble at Emily's window. She motioned to him to meet her around front. When she walked out, he almost fell over. She was wearing a nice pair of black pants and a form fitting white tank top covered by an emerald green unbuttoned sweater, that matched her eyes. Her hair was down and curled and she was wearing just enough make-up to highlight her green eyes and her cheekbones. She wore a small amount of chapstick that he would not have even realized she was wearing until he leaned in and gave her a quick kiss. Emily was stunned by the kiss and pulled away before she realized what was going on.

"I am sorry." Ben said, "I did not mean to do that. But, you look so nice. I should have waited."

"No, that is OK. It just surprised me." Emily said looking down and blushing.

"Are you ready to go?"

"Well, Grandma and Grandpa want to meet you first. I am sorry. Is that OK?" Emily asked very timidly.