Forever Scars

That Other Girl

Stepping into the bakery, Ryleigh was the earliest as usual. She spent her time tidying up the kitchen as people started to arrive. 'Oh, good morning Holly! And to you to Jacob.' Ryleigh greeted chirpily as they walked into the bakery, hand in hand. They nodded and greeted her back.

Soon, everyone, including a very grumpy Mr. Dudley was there except for Michael. 'Why can't he be punctual for once?' Ryleigh asked Holly, irritated by Michael's consistent lateness.

'You know Michael... he's quite the party animal. He's probably tired or hungover from a party.' Holly giggled.

Ryleigh wore a blank expression. No, she didn't know that about Michael. And the word 'hungover' sent shivers up her spine.

'Where the hell is that kid?' Mr. Dudley bellowed in annoyance. He paced around the room, counting something with his fingers. Turning back at the line of bakers, he shouted at the top of his lungs, 'It's almost the end of February and he's been late 14 times! 14!'

'Oh god...' Holly whispered, keeping her head down so Mr. Dudley wouldn't release his wrath on her.

At that moment, the glass doors swung open to reveal a curvy brunette with a voluptuous body, wearing a strapless white body con dress. A gold belt was put around her waist to accentuate it. What a thing to wear to a bakery in winter! She had about 20 necklaces layered over each other and a pair of over the top shiny gold earrings with an ornate design.

Walking right behind her was Michael. It then hit Ryleigh. The brunette was none other than Sarah Angels. The shock from her realization was quickly replaced by fury and rage. Anger boiled deep in Ryleigh's system, as hot as lava. She averted her gaze from Michael and clenched her fists.

'Good morning, Mr. Dudley. I'm here to work now.' Sarah said in her sickly sweet voice as she flirtatiously blinked her eyes at Mr. Dudley.

Mr. Dudley looked at her with his usual grumpy expression and grumbled, 'Put on an apron and listen to the head chef' before leaving. Sarah nodded, seemingly disappointed. Ryleigh tried to suppress a smile. One thing she liked about Mr. Dudley was that he was indifferent to everyone.

'Sarah, you're new here. Today you can help wash the dishes, pans and mixing bowls.' Ryleigh said, pointing to the sink. She mentally cursed herself for cleaning all the dirty pots and pan from the night before.

Sarah stared at her in horror. 'Um, I thought bakers bake? I can't really bake but I can serve.'

'Mr. Dudley says new people clean.' Ryleigh replied, trying to channel Mr. Dudley's indifferent tone.

Sarah looked at Michael with pleading eyes, making Ryleigh's stomach churn. 'Michael.' Sarah whined softly, placing her hand on his chest.

Michael looked at Ryleigh. 'Ry, how about you let her serve.'

Not even bothering to face him, Ryeigh answered, 'Mr. Dudley's orders. New people clean.'

'Ry, please. You didn't like to clean when you first came, did you?' Michael said.

That comment was one that stung Ryleigh. She began to retreat into the kitchen, shouting back, 'If you want to switch jobs with her, suit yourself!' So that's what happened. Sarah served the customers, batting her eyelashes to anyone that cast a glance at her while Michael washed and scrubbed filthy plates and bowls.

Ryleigh couldn't bear the sight of Sarah flirting with customers nearly twice her age. Walking over to Michael, she gritted her teeth and spat, 'Next time you want to bring your girlfriend to work, make sure she doesn't ruin marriages.'

'Michael looked at her apologetically, 'Ry, I know. I am so, so sorry...'

'What are you sorry for? She's your girl, I'm just reminding you to tell her to stop flirting with old married men!' Ryleigh said sharply.

'Ry, she's not my girl. You are.' Michael proclaimed with conviction. He reached out to hold her waist but Ryleigh flinched at his touch.

'You bring in a girl that bats her eyelashes flirtatiously at you, touches you, clearly taking an interest in you and you expect me to believe that she's nothing more than a friend?' Ryleigh asked incredulously.

'Sarah just wanted a job to earn some extra cash, okay? So I told her about this one. She submitted her resume and Mr. Dudley accepted her.' Michael replied desperately. He held Ryleigh's hand and despite her protest, he held on. 'Listen.' He pleaded.

'What!' Ryleigh shot back angrily.

'My parents won't hand their business over to me if I don't do this. I'm not going out with Sarah, I'm not doing anything with her. I'm just making sure I have a good relationship with her as a friend. I'm helping her where I can but I'm not...she's not my girlfriend.' Michael explained his situation. He saw Ryleigh glance downwards, still uncertain of what he was saying. Cupping Ryleigh's cheeks affectionately, he emphasized with soft eyes, 'She is nothing.'

Ryleigh pushed him aside and went to the other side of the kitchen. She wanted so bad to forgive him to say that she loved him but resentment got the better of her. She banged the counter in frustration. She didn't know what to do.

Parker observed her from afar and finally walked over. 'Are you okay?' He asked with such genuine concern for her it made her heart melt.

'No...'Ryleigh answered, tears spilling out from the corners of her eyes.

Parker patted her shoulder tenderly, keeping an appropriate distance away from her. Taking a tissue, he wiped away her tears and offered, 'I'll cover you today. Take the day off if you must.' Ryleigh thanked him and ran out of the bakery. She ran and ran until her legs couldn't take her any further and she collapsed onto the floor in a pool of tears...