The Forgotten

Apple Crumb Cake

The sidewalks aren't crowded in this part of town. This is the arts portion. Graffiti everywhere and tattoo parlors on every block. A small café is the only thing out of place. Ferrero's Café has been around since before I was born and the old man who runs it, Harold Ferrero, always gives me a piece of crumb cake when I stop in.

I decide to head over and check up on him. I cross the street and walk a few doors down to his café. I pull open the door and the smell of coffee and sweets hits me.

"Raven!"

"Hi, Mr. Ferrero."

He's the only one besides my parents that knows my real name.

"Long time since I've seen you. Just stopping in for a piece of cake?"

I can't help but laugh a little at him. I know he's kidding. The smile brightening his face is a clear sign of that.

"I came in to say hi, actually. I was in the neighborhood and wanted to check in on my favorite person."

"And get a piece of cake?"

I smile and roll my eyes as I sit on one of the stools at the counter. Of course I want the cake. I'm hungry. I also don't want to seem like that is the only reason I stopped by.

"I'll have a piece of cake as long as you eat one with me."

"Sounds like a plan to me. Apple crumb sound good to you?"

"Yes, sir."

"I'll be right back."

His fragile figure disappears into the kitchen. I'm not sure how old Mr. Ferrero is, but he has to be well into his sixties or seventies. He looks frail but is strong for sure. He runs this café with his daughter and granddaughter. His sons didn't want the café and moved away. That's what he told me at least. He seemed a little heartbroken when he told me that, too.

"One slice of apple crumb cake for the lovely lady."

"Thank you."

Mr. Ferrero sets the plate and a fork down in front of me. I take a bite and moan as the crumbly goodness melts in my mouth.

"I'll have whatever she is having."

I spin around only to find Jaycob right behind me. I didn't hear him come in or walk up behind me. I'm really out of practice for the streets.

"I'll grab that for you right now, Jaycob. Anything for the boss?"

"He's doing a session right now. He said I could go home early and he will hold down the fort."

Oh great. A creepy guy following me around for the rest of the day is just what I need.

Jaycob sits beside me.

"Going to finish your cake?"

"That's none of your business."

"How could a complete stranger be mad at me? I didn't do anything."

Mr. Ferrero comes out of the kitchen with another slice of cake and a fork. He sets them down in front of Jaycob.

"Anything else for you?"

"Coffee with a splash of cream, please."

"Coming right up."

Mr. Ferrero disappears again and I take a bite of my cake. I just want to finish it and get the hell away from Jaycob. I never want to see him again in my life.

"Thanks for leaving me with the cop at the park."

I can hear the biting sarcasm in his tone. So much for complete stranger. I knew he would recognize me sooner or later.

"No problem. Want me to do it again? This time for harassment!"

"I'm not harassing you. I'm coming to get a coffee."

"At the same café I walked into right after leaving you at the tattoo parlor? Hm."

"I come here to have a coffee when I have a break."

"So convincing!"

Mr. Ferrero returns with the coffee. I want to leave but I will feel like a jerk if I leave this sweet old man a few minutes after I came in to visit.

"How is your mother, Jay?"

"Slowly recovering. She wants to get back out into the garden but the doctor says she needs to heal more."

"Tell her I say hi, will ya?"

"Yes, sir."

The café door opens again and Mr. Ferrero excuses himself to deal with a customer. Not wanting to spend another second with Jaycob, I quickly finish my cake, pushing the plate to the back of the counter. I stand up from the chair and look at Mr. Ferrero.

"I need to get home. I'll be back soon!"

"Keep that promise, sweetheart! I'll be waiting for ya!"

I push open the door and walk out onto the sidewalk. It's not too busy, but there are a decent amount of people. Maybe I'll be able to grab some stuff before I go home. Sadly, the pots and pans from earlier are too big and noticeable to take home. I could always visit the trash heap. There are always interesting treasures there.