Devil's Food Cake [✓]

51 | hansel and gretel

My parents had loved my rainbow cake. My dad was in raptures, insisting that he take a slice for Dorothy to try when we saw her. I gave my permission readily. Since the incident with Zachary, Dorothy was being nicer to me. And by nicer, I meant being less sarky about my baking and being less of a Moaning Myrtle about her life. She was preoccupied with her long-term boyfriend. That, and I'd heard her telling Dad that she was going to catering school in the fall. My father had been saddened, but he respected and championed her autonomy. They'd even hugged to my surprise.

When she'd broke away from my father, she scowled at me. I pretended that all was good, despite a smile threatening to break across my face. Dorothy didn't like me, but she liked my father.

That was fine by me.

I would have given her a hug too, but I realised she'd probably lock me in the oven like the witch in Hansel and Gretel. It just wasn't worth it in the long-term.

* * *

My luck and skill with the rainbow cake gave me a newfound confidence to text Jonny and ask for a meet up after the weekend. He replied shortly after.

Candy, I was about to call you. Yeah, where would you like to meet?

I suggested a location and later that afternoon, with a thumping heart, I opened the cafe door. The smell of buttery pastry, fragrant coffee beans and comforting yeasty bread greeted me.

Scanning the tables, I noticed that couples were all around us. There he was by himself.

His hair was messy and his eyes were red, but at least he didn't look angry with me anymore.

He gave me a nervous smile and I returned it, feeling shy again. We hugged warmly.

'How are you?' he enquired. I noticed that he was finding it difficult to look into my eyes. He was playing with a sachet of mustard. My heart overflowed with tenderness for him.

'I'm good, Jon.' I reached across to squeeze his hand. The sachet dropped onto the table as if startled by me. 'How are you?'

'You know I love you, Candy?' he said suddenly.

* * *

I stared at him, not comprehending this change of direction. I had expected him to still be mopey at me about my cheating. He had every right too, but I knew that what I was about to do was going to disappoint him.

I think, in a twisted way, Zachary's kiss, had released me from my fear of always following the rules. I'd gained some clarity.

And, so, I told Jonny that he deserved someone much better than me. Because it was so unlike me to do something like that while in a relationship with someone, I realised that we wouldn't work out. Although, I had valued the one year we'd spend together as boyfriend and girlfriend.

I still hoped that we could be good friends, at least. I completely understood if he didn't want to know me anymore.

There were no hysterics, begging or crying. After a few minutes of silence, Jonny agreed that it was for the best as well. His shoulders were slumped in defeat.

'I won't be returning to the bakery after the summer break, Candy,' he said, near the end of our conversation.

'It's not because of me, is it?' I said worriedly.

'No,' he said sadly, 'I thought of doing so for a few months, but getting my results for my modules made me realise that I need to get myself in order first. I realised I had a bit of trouble juggling everything in my life. Societies, part-time job, internships, relationships...' he said the last word softly, with a hint of smile.

I could feel the tears wishing to come tumbling out. For both our sakes, I held it in. 'Good luck. I'm sorry it couldn't work out. I feel like trash.'

Jonny laughed, the first genuine laugh I'd heard him give for a while. 'Trust me, Candy. You're a diamond. All the best. I might see you around — I'm coming to collect a few things and to speak with Jeremy.'

'We'll miss you. Come and visit when you like. Cake is on me.'

'Mmm. Your cakes are the best,' he said into my hair, as we embraced for possibly the last time.

I parted ways with me, walking a few steps in the opposite direction towards the bus shelter. I couldn't resist looking back at him. His gait was quick as though he was dashing off somewhere else, a wonderland of his own making.

I wondered if I would regret letting him go. Only time would tell. My shoulders were weightless, at least, as I continued on my own journey.

* * *

Now there was the tricky question of my friend Zachary Malone. I was debating if I should contact him or give him space. Emotionally, I was at somewhat of a crossroads. I was the type of person who loathed conflict, but I was learning that sometimes conflict was a good thing. You ended up realising things you wouldn't ordinarily have thought about, as a result of those very things being pushed into the background, to emerge like a fire-breathing dragon, destroying everything in its path.

Jonny was out of the picture. I couldn't pretend like nothing had ever happened. Or acknowledge something had happened but carry on as normal.

A chapter of my life had ended. I needed to accept that.