Story of Us

Chapter 20 : Philip

When Damien invited him to go to the bakery, he was surprised yet happy to be able to take part in the bake sale, even though, he was nervous to see Avery after he poured his heart out to her the day before.

Despite that Philip had taken Avery to her house on more than one occasion, he had never gone inside. It appeared to be small but it was ideal for her because she lived on her own.

The inside looked as he would've imagined, simple yet cozy. The walls were painted a pale shade of yellow and filled with photographs, a small wooden fireplace sat in front of the sitting area, perfect for the winter season, and lastly a large old fashion kitchen towards the left.

"It looks lovely," he complimented.

"Thank you, I know it's not a palace but I like it."

"It's better than a palace... sometimes it can get lonely when the space is too big."

There were photographs of her and Amber, Tom Harley, and even one with Lillian and Joseph; it seemed as though they were really close. He wondered if one day he would be in one of those photographs.

Another photo of her and an older guy came into view. Was he, her boyfriend? Did she have a boyfriend? Why did he suddenly feel conflicted by that?

"That's Nick, my older brother," she said, leaving him relieved at the fact.

They started with the pastry for the tartlets, and whileshe measured and poured the ingredients into the large bowl, he mixed andkneaded the dough.

"Umm... you know a lot about me but I don't really know much about you," he said.

"Fair enough, I was raised by my grandparents, while my parents worked away, and I've always admired what they have, forty years of marriage and counting."

"So, you do believe in the sweep you off your feet kind of love?"

"Yes, don't you?"

"Hardly seen it, really."

"Well, let's hope you get to experience it one day," she smiled.

"I hope so," he said under his breath while placing the dough into the molds, "your family must miss you a lot."

"They usually call or visit me like Nick, he almost decided to stay once, but he had to go back to work."

While they waited for the shells to get out of the oven, they proceeded to make different flavors of filling: Lemon curd, cherry, chocolate, and cream cheese.

"Why did you move to Amerenia?" he asked

"I wanted a change of scenery, and once I came here, I just couldn't leave."

He nodded, placing the fillings in the fridge, and looking through the window he said, "It's getting late, and my father would wonder where I've been all day."

"Sure... And thanks for your help, it would've taken me a lot longer to finish on my own."

"I wish I could've done more."

"You've already done a lot, but thank you," she hugged him before he left.

At dinner, his father kept asking him lots of questions, but he only shrugged and tried to change the topic to something else.

The next day, he woke up earlier than normal because he had to do something before heading to the bakery. He made a decision that he knew would ultimately change his relationship with his father, but at the same time, it had to be done.

People gathered around in a big line that went from the bakery and rounded two blocks, waiting for the bake sale to open. Rows of cookies, brownies, cupcakes, tartlets, and others sat on top of the table.

The fundraiser was a complete success, by noon they had sold until the last piece of cake they made.

"Hey, I'm glad you decided to help us," Damien came up to him.

Philip was startled to hear him say that but pleased at the same time, they were finally bonding over a common goal.

"I'm also glad... and I am sorry I haven't been a good brother to you, but from now on I want you to know that I support you," he said honestly.

"Thanks, that means a lot to me... so, Avery? What's going on between you two."

"What? What are you talking about?"

The phone ring saved him from Damien's question that he was definitely not ready to answer yet. Tom's eyes widen as he received some big news, and clearing his throat to get their attention he said, "well, the orphanage just received an anonymous donation that could cover most of the renovations."

They erupted in cheers after a moment of complete shock, and from the corner of his eye he noticed Avery looking at him with a sudden realization, "it was you, wasn't it?" she asked.

"Maybe," he smiled, and in the blink of an eye, she embraced him in a tight hug, whispering a thank you before kissing his cheek.

"You should go celebrate after how hard you worked," Tom said.

"Maybe another day; I just want to go home and do nothing for a long time," Amber smiled tiredly.

"I'll take her home," Damien offered, saying goodbye to everyone before getting out the door.

"Would you like to... go for a walk?" Philip scratched his neck awkwardly.

"Sure," Avery smiled.