Dear Janet, You're Ugly

Bakery Confessions

Janet's POV

Sweat fell down the side of my face as I rolled out some freshly made dough. Then kneaded with my hands and then laid it out completely flat. Taking small amounts of dough I rolled it into a ball. I began to make bread twist tucking and making sure each one came out perfect.

Today was one of those days where not many customers came in. Ms. Freckles wasn't here as I convinced her to finally take a day off. She was in the store 24/7 leaving no time for her to rest.

So today I had promised to run the store with the help of Erin and Stanley. Which reminded me Erin was running late leaving Stanley to take orders and do cashier. I knew how he worked under pressure but I was praying Erin would be here soon.

I rolled out some more dough and ten minutes later in walked Erin. "Where have you been"? I spat angrily breaking the dough causing me to have to roll it out again.

"Sorry about that. I had soccer practice and lost track of time" he says grabbing an apron. I shook my head silently fuming inside. I didn't have time for such childish antics.

"Go and take orders. Tell Stanley to do cashier" I ordered not looking up. I heard him turn to leave and I breathed a sigh of relief. Lately, I was feeling on edge, and I knew the reason behind it.

I buttered each of the bread twists and then placed them into the preheated oven. Wiping my hands on my apron I made my way to the front of the store. Timid Stanley was red-faced and looked a bit swollen.

More customers strolled in and I helped take orders. Time seemed to go by quickly and there weren't as many customers. I decided to go on break sitting in my quiet booth near the back of the cafe. I watched Erin take orders where a group of girls was sitting.

They batted their eyelashes and poked their chest out. I snickered with disgust, they practically screamed desperately and Erin was egging them on with his stupid smile. Growing annoyed I shifted my gaze outside the window.

I rested my chin against my palm. My shoulders felt heavy with exhaustion and I yawned quietly. Once I got home I would sleep like a baby that was for sure. The weather was starting to get a bit cold meaning winter was just around the corner.

I shut my eyes softly breathing in the freshly made coffee. The whirring of the coffee machine lulled me to sleep.  I heard a slight thud across from me and I lazily opened my eyes to see a smirking Erin.

"Sleeping on the job now" he teased making me groan. I pushed my face further into my arms the warmth greeting me with open arms. I suddenly felt a heavy hand stroking the top of my head.

I immediately lifted my head with accusing eyes. "Don't you ever touch me" I snapped immediately getting out of the booth. I stormed my way to the back of the kitchen and went to wash my hands.

Erin followed behind me. "We need to talk Janet. Look we used to be the best of friends but you refuse to tell me what happened". I ignored him taking the now cooled off bread twists and putting them on a plate.

"You can't ignore me forever ya know? I don't think I deserve this" his voice sounded hoarse causing me to stop in my tracks. I looked up at him and it was like seeing him for the first time. That chubby kid who did nothing but eat alone and cry in the corner.

The least I could do was be honest. I licked my chapped lips nervously pacing myself. "Look Erin you are just going to have to accept the fact that I don't want to be friends. We aren't kids anymore" I spoke quietly.

His eyebrows drew together in confusion. "As far as I'm concerned you'll always be my best friend. How could I pretend or think anything different". He walked closer to me trapping me against the counter. He towered over me pushing a stray lock of my hair back behind my ear.

I held my breath unsure of what to do. He was so close. Too close for comfort and I felt like I couldn't escape no matter how hard I tried. I kept my head down knowing full well I needed to apply another coat of foundation.

"I know you better than anyone Janet. I know things have changed but the one thing that hasn't is the way I feel" he whispered drawing his face closer to mine.

What did he mean?

I gulped deeply finally gathering the strength to push him away. "Time to move on Erin," I said softly before leaving the kitchen. If I stood there any longer I knew the walls I had so desperately built up would come crumbling down.