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 Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2006 6:41 pm
Having stumbled in through the door of the Bakery some 2 hours ago, Laurence had already worked himself into a light sweat with all the rushing back and forth he was doing. The last few days had put them a little behind, though not as much as he had expected. His Grandfather, Charles, had gone through a bit of a scare... a mild heart attack. Currently he was in recovery, and for the last few days Laurence had stolen away from the Bakery in order to spend time with the man who had spent so many summers with him when he was still a grade schooler. Gramps was as much an immediate family member as his Mother or Father had been, picking him up from school since his parents worked long hours, and taking him to the cliff line to do his little homework and then take the road down to play on the beach for a couple hours before heading him to see his Mom before Dad got him at around 8.
Letting a rather exhausted sigh flow from his lips, Laurence ran the back of his wrist across his brow taking away some of the sweat as well as removing the hair from his eyes. Lifting a fairly heft knife he cut off a section of the bread dough with a couple of solid chops and pulled it away from the larger mass while hanging the knife from the magnetic holder along the wall before him. Lifting the dough and kneading it as he turned and started towards the rest of the order he had started to prepare he set the ball of dough down on the tray and lifted another carrying it easily to the oven, which had been preheating while he arranged for the bread, and opened it sliding in the tray of biscuits, scones, and other goodies.
Closing the door of the oven he turned back to the bread and nearly had a heart attack as Katrina went dashing by him just under foot. "Be-jeezus, Katrina... no running in the kitchen," his voice was exactly stern with her, he couldn't seem to yell at the tiny girl. She just looked at him questioningly before giggling and continuing to run out to stand behind the counter and watch the people eating their treats. "Swear it, Audley, you made her to punish me..." Picking up the bread dough he completed kneading it, and setting it up on the tray. Picking up the only just completed tray and turning around with it he slid the medium sized order into the fridge to keep it until the next morning, when it would be put in just after opening to make sure it was fresh for the customer, one Ms. Keeting.
Swinging the door shut he went back to the preparation table he had been working on, he grab some of the cleaning articles from under it and began the cleaning process. Getting the batch of bread dough set aside he packaged it so it could be put in the fridge as well, he knew there was another order he'd be doing later today he'd need it for. Scrapping the excess flour off into a wastebasket he set it aside as he picked up a bucket. Walking to the sink and filling it about half way he added the anti-bacterial and disinfectants to it and dropped a sponge in. While most people would question the other additives, there was never a reason to take a risk when working with food of any kind. Reaching the table again he started to scrub it down with a good deal of care, hearing the people outside mingling over their baked goods. Smiling slightly, he had to admit he liked the job overall. The manual labor built character, or that's what his Gramps had always said, and the pay wasn't too bad either... but for every up in life, there was a down. That down, being Audley, his potentially crazy, most definitely eccentric employer. Shrugging his shoulders he dispatched the thought, you couldn't win everything.
Finishing the clean-up, Laurence emptied the bucket down the drain designated for chemicals and cleaning solutions. Rinsing it out and setting back where it belonged, and putting away the cleaning supplies in the proper cabinent he stood fully upright and stretched out is back. Yawning a bit he started for the door that would take him out behind the counter, the same one Katrina had dashed through only a moment before. Pushing open the swinging barrier easily he made his way to the stool behind the till where Katrina had taken up residence. Putting a hand on her head and rustling her hair a bit he couldn't help, but to smile, at the odd face she gave him before sticking out her tongue at him. "Fine, be moody," Sticking his own tongue out right back at her she just gave a huff and went back to focusing on the other people in the bakery, Laurence doing the same. It wouldn't do to have people drop in and not get served.
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Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2006 10:52 pm
IndentIt had almost been a week when Elizabeth stubbled upon the bakery. The bread and candy she and her family had bought was heavenly. It looked like regular bread and candy, but something was different. It was like someone had actually put the flavor of love--if it had one--in the food. Not only that, but the two people who worked there intrigued Elizabeth. They almost seemed like total opposites, but she was determined that they shared something more. Not meaning a romance, just maybe a hobby. Maybe, something more.
IndentElizabeth had told her parents earlier that day she was going back to the bakery. "I'll go get the bread," she offered giving them puppy eyes. Her mother laughed. "Wow, what does that shop have that makes you keep going back?" Elizabeth pushed her dark black hair back, blushing. "Nothing really. I just need to get some fresh air every now and then." Her father had been reading the paper, glancing up at her. "I hope this isn't about some boy." Elizabeth frowned, crossing her arms. "No, sir." Her father sighed, shaking his head and returning to his news.
IndentElizabeth quickly came upon the bakery, walking in to see a little girl running about. She seemed to have a 'minty' theme, although Elizabeth figured it was just because she liked mint, those colors, or perhaps both. Anyway, the little girl made a blank face at the customer, stopping in her tracks. She then glared, and ran to where Laurence was. Audley was also there, baking as usual. Elizabeth picked up a tiny silk bag, grabbing a handful of candy and placing it inside.
IndentShe placed the bag on the counter, going and grabbing a loaf of wheat bread. Elizabeth added it to the candy she was about to buy, and began shuffling through her purse. Taking out some money, she noticed the girl and Laurence were sticking their tounges at one another. "Your sister?" Elizabeth asked with a thin smile.
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Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 3:10 pm
Startled out of his battle of wills with Katrina he looked to the customer on the other side of the counter, "Um... well, not exactly, but close enough." Ringing up her things he could feel Katrina's tiny hands clinging to his pants leg. Finishing the order he hit the subtotal key and looked back up to the customer, "That comes to $5.83, the candies are on special this week, Audley is in one of his moods. Everyone must have some sweets, no matter what the dentist says." Extending his hand to take the payment he opened the till and counted out the change back into her hand before pushing the register shut. Opting to go out on a bit of a limb he cocked his head a little to the side, "You know, I'm terrible with names, but I know I've seen you in here more than once this week... you looking to try and talk to Audley about a temp job or something? Cause, I mean, you never seem to buy all that many sweets..." His mouth twisting slightly in thought he shrug his shoulders.
"I guess I'm trying to say if you're looking for work, you might as well just ask him rather than coming and floating here each day. You won't get in trouble for it, but hanging around isn't going to get much done." Patting Katrina on the head he saw the girl reach up at him wanting to see over the counter. Lifting her onto his lap so she could see, the little girl immediately began to study the people in the shop. Most predominantly she stared at the girl directly in front of her. Frowning slightly at the newcomer she turned and buried her face against Laurence's chest, who in turn patted her on the back reassuringly. "She doesn't seem to like people much..."
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Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 8:17 pm
IndentElizabeth handed the $5.83 to Laurence, waiting to see what would happen next. Laurence handed back two cents, since she had given him a nickle. "Audley seems to have fun with his job and take it seriously at the same time," she replied as he talked about the candy being on special. "I really like that about him. He seems like a nice guy." Laurence scratched his head a bit, then brought up something about a 'temp job.' "No, i'm not looking for a job, or even a temp job. I just like being here. Something about this shop makes me feel...good, I guess."
IndentElizabeth was obviously becoming uncomfortable, as she gently began to tap her fingers on the table. Laurence picked up the girl she had thought was his sister, and placed her on the counter. She and Elizabeth stared at each other for perhaps a second, when the child turned away, placing her face against Laurence's chest. He patted her, looking back up and responded. "Well, as long as it's not just me she doesn't like." Elizabeth replied, taking the candy and bread. "She really is cute. I bet she's sweet once you get to know her." She smiled, hoping they would do the same.
IndentMeanwhile, Elizabeth was lost in thought. Why did she like the shop so much? Why didn't she ever buy more stuff? It wasn't like she didn't make enough allowance not to be able to afford it. Laurence usually didn't make her feel so uncomfortable, but this time was different. Maybe because of the young girl being there. Maybe he was protective. Elizabeth felt almost...scared. "What's her name?" she finally asked, looking back at the child.
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Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 3:29 pm
Laurence just shook his head as he looked toward the door that led back into the kitchen area where Audley was preparing further goodies and orders. "Yeah, he's like a big kid... it's kinda surprising to me when he's serious about anything. He's a decent man though, so I can't fault him for being a child at heart." Continuing to rub Katrina's back, the small girl seemed to finally start coming out of her shell, turning to face Elizabeth with big eyes. She seemed to be trying to memorize the girl on the other side of the counters appearance.
Catching the comment on Katrina being sweet his mouth twisted a little as he looked down at the back of the small girls head, "I'm not so sure about that, she's a little ankle bitter though, that's for sure." At that Katrina turned back at Laurence and stuck her tongue out at him again. "You keep doing that and I might have to steal that thing." At the mockingly dark comment Katrina quickly pulled her tongue back in, but gave him a disgruntled look as she turned her back on him, still keeping her seat on his knee.
Laughing a little at the half-expected reaction Laurence looked back to the girl whom seemed just full of questions and observations, "Her name is Katrina, I've been looking after her for a while now. Can't say my Mom and Pop are too happy about it though. She can eat more than me some days..." Giving an amused grin to that for a moment it quickly faded back into his rather bland, straight-mouthed face. "Considering names, you never gave yours, but you clearly know me. So introductions on my part would only be redudent."
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Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 5:10 pm
IndentElizabeth giggled at the girl and Laurence. The child-known as Katrina-truely did seem like his younger sister. Elizabeth loved watching them. However, she had been watching Audley in the back when she turned back to the other two. Katrina was staring at her, but she didn't seem to have such a harsh look this time.
IndentLaurence once again began to speak. "Oh, my name is Elizabeth," she said, holding out her hand. "I'm sure you'll see me in the shop often. Not for a job though." She smiled, then added, "It's nice to meet you both, even though you and I have already sort of met before." It was obvious Elizabeth was embarrassed for forgetting to tell them her name. "It's getting a bit late. I better be heading home, other wise my parents might worry."
IndentMaking sure she had everything, she turned to leave. Before she did, she turned back to look at Audley, Laurence, and Katrina. "Bye guys! Nice meeting you both, Laurence and Katrina." Smiling, she turned and walked out the door. "I wish I had someone like Kat," she thought, instantly giving her that nickname.
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Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2006 3:38 pm
Waving to Elizabeth as she left the store, Laurence had a smile on his face, "Oh I hope Audley doesn't get to know that one..." His smile fading after she was out of the shop. Feeling a small elbow nudge into his stomach he looked down at Katrina who was glaring at him, almost as if she was scolding him, "Not you too..." Letting go of her, she quickly bounded off his lap to go skitter around the Bakery watching the people as they eat their food.
Shaking his head as he helps another customer, he couldn't help but be perplexed by the tiny girl. She was seemingly terrified of some people, and yet most didn't bother her at all. Unless, it was the fear of dealing with an individual other than himself, where as a crowd did nothing to phase her. Thanking another customer and seeing them off he relaxed a little as the flow slowed down, most people entering just browsing the shop.
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Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 8:54 am
Shin peeked in to the bakery for a moment with his green eyes.. Well he had contacts in so they looked red though but his eyes where naturally green. His hair was long and ended at his ankles, even amount of long streaks in his hair colored both black and white. Most likely he originally had black hair then put a lot of white streaks in it with bleach. It was his first time coming in to the shop, but had remembered people talking about it. Not with him but they had still talked about it. Nobody really ushually had any conversations with him. The problem? It took him enough courage to just say something to them but got discourages very easily. One couldn't be sure if it was him being shy, or a lot of things. Honestally he was just scared he would do something wrong though. That thought came in to mind a lot so he was always double thinking himself on things he did. It was probibly also why he didn't have many if any friends.
His skin was a light tropical brown color and his build was rather feminine for a man. He wore a shirt that ended after his chest so was definitely a belly shirt and had sleeves so long it covered his hands, colored black with purple small flowers on it. He had on black hip hugging jeans with black sneakers a bright purple belt so it would be very easy to mistake him for a women. He was even holding a bag that looked similar to a large purse. No, it was just a bag made of good material though. If you where able to tell he was a guy then one must have good eyes.. or accually looked and noticed though he looked thin and feminine he didn't have the chest to be a girl, it was as flat as a guys could get. So he wasn't a women, just very feminine and most likely gay. Gay or just a vary brave and secure man for dressing that way... somehow though he didn't look brave and secure slowly inching around to get to his destination.
The smell was good, and it looked good so finally he managed to get himself inside of the bakery. He was hungry, he knew what he wanted but.. he wasn't sure if the people browsing where going to get something or if they where just looking. If they had it he wanted to get a chocolate custard log. Did they have any? Slowly he started getting from the door and closer to the counter but as soon as he got to the counter.. he started getting scared and wanting to back away.. but he was already there so he should say something right? So with his soft little voice he spoke up.
"Um... Sir? I just.. kind of was sort of wondering if the bakery might have any chocolate custard logs... Sorry for bothering you."
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Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 11:32 am
Watching a rather peculiar looking customer come up to him, he didn't seem to phased by the odd dress or appearance. While Laurence didn't know his name, he did know that he had gone to school with the other boy. Most times Laurence had been too caught up in his homework to really talk to anyone though. Listening to the question posed he shook his head at the apology, "Don't worry about it, you're a customer, you're supposed to bug me. So chocolate custard logs... hmm... " Sliding off his stool to find them Laurence knew it was an item they didn't normally keep shelved, it had been a while since someone had requested some.
Following along the shelf of sweets and treats behind his desk he found where they should have been. Snatching up a foot ladder he set it up and stepped on it to see onto the tray. Looking he could see 3 on the back of the tray. Audley had likely made an order of them for someone else earlier that day, and these were what had been left from it. Pulling the tray out and turning it around so they'd be at the front, he looked back over his shoulder at the eccentric boy, "Um... 3 left, how many did you want?"
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Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 12:09 pm
Shin watched him look around the shelfs, then grab the ladder.. Wow they really had it didn't they? That was a pleasent suprise. He wasn't expecting them to really have it. They even had three none the less. That was a lot better then what he was expecting. Now, did the food taste as good as it was rumored to taste? He wasn't sure. He would just have to wait until he got it to find out.
"One, only one."
He said with his soft quiet voice. Or was it only quiet because of how nervious he was? Yes, that was probibly it. The contacts started bothering his eyes a little since he had them in for awhile. Taking out their small case he took them out then put them away, his green eyes now no longer hidden under strange colored contacts.
"I couldn't eat more then one.."
Well at least he was at the counter and talking. That was good right? Maybe one day he could just run in to someone from work and try talking with them. Maybe.. Having friends the share sweets with would probibly be sweeter then having it alone. He wasn't sure though. Well at least you didn't need to talk to people face to face when you had a job around computers. If you did it wasn't for long. He bit his lip a little, thinking a bit of a few things. Should he ask..? Maybe after he bought the log. He would just need to hold off on those temptations. The guy was probibly straight anyway so asking would probibly scare him... Then again he was so jumpy himself did he really think he could scare anyone? No...
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Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 4:59 pm
They did not step in time or nearly close to anything that could reseamble a plausible beat. For each of Marie's ground covering strides, Chione, her little shadow for today, had to take three. In the end, fed up with having to slow her pace to ant's crawl, Marie scooped up her charge, holding the little girl in her polka-dotted, long-sleeved, green shirt covered arms.
From her snug perch, the petite girl watched the city around her in fascination. From the lower slums to the heights, her eyes stayed open in awe. That is, until they reached the bakery.
Gently, Marie lowered the child to the ground, Chione steadying herself against one of Marie's jean-sheathed legs. Then, her little hand wormed its way into the palm of her guardian's larger hand and Marie opened the door for both of them.
In no great hurry, Marie made her way over to the counter. Chione, however, stopped dead in her tracks. She wasn't usually a shy thing, but the peasant-dressed girl (Marie had tried to change her out of those "Rags" and failed) quickly ducked behind the willowly female at the sight of the male with the white-and-black streaked hair.
"Hello," Marie inclined her head to the other customer polietly and then to Laurence. She had met Audley's assistant a few times before, but had never had a direct conversation with him. "Excuse me, but is Audley in?," she asked with a slight touch of hesitation. A shiver ran up her spine as she felt Chione squeeze her leg, still trying to stay hidden.
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 11:00 pm
Shin looked over to the people that came in. He wasn't sure if he should move out of the way or.. no. He was still currently buying food. He felt rude to be standing there but he knew moving out of the way would be strange when he was just about to buy something. In the end, the best thing to probably do was to greet her back.. and possibly the other with them? He did a small bow with his head over to them.
Ok now to say something. See? This is why people usually didn't talk to him. Well at the bright side nobody confused him for a women yet. Well it didn't sound that way anyway.. He had men hit on him before then get mad at them later once he realized they thought he was a girl and they realized he wasn't.. But the only man he saw so far was the one behind the counter. After taking in a small slow breath though he let it out and felt ready to talk.
"Konichiwa.."
Ok speaking in English would be a good start. 'Remember to speak in English'.
"Hello."
Better, now if his voice was a little more strong then maybe he would seem a little less feminine. On the bright side at least he didn't look ugly.. Maybe he shouldn't be quietly double guessing every thought he had? Its like pausing in every action he took. Nothing would get done fast by him. Thankfully he would work a long time so nobody would notice and with his job it came in handy to double guess yourself. It would be bad to make mistakes.
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Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 7:04 pm
She hadn't really taken the other occupant of the store in, merely sweeping over that person while entering. The sound of his bi-lingual return greeting, however, had her eyes darting back to the... male? Marie pursed her lips, slightly muddled on his gender. She took a moment to study him out of the corner of her eye, while apparently looking around the restuarant, an art well honed in the turbulence of highschool.
Yes, definately a male, she concluded. Despite the voice and the [tacky] apparel, his build wouldn't match that of a female. It was too flat. Only then did she make direct eyecontact. He seemed to be making a stab at a conversation, from what she could determine. In a soft tone of voice, as she also concluded that he had the aura of a skitish animal about him, she said, "First visit here?"
As she spoke, Marie could feel Chione peeking out from behind her leg. Instinct led her hand to the top of the little girl's head, gently smoothing hair that was already smooth. Was it just her imagination or did the child just relax? Either way, a second later, in her youthful soprano, Chione piped up with a, "H-hello."
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Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 9:11 pm
Shin nodded a little, letting off a soft blush from his cheeks for a moment. How did she guess? She didn't know him. Maybe she thought that because how skiddish he was. Maybe she saw him doing something? That made him worry that he may have been acting strangely. Maybe she was being polite by not mentioning any nagative or wierd behaviors he might have been making? Oh he hoped he didn't look too strange the way he moved. At least he didn't have to worry about it too much. He wasn't in highschool or collage anymore. He looked very young true but he had already graduated collage and had a well paid job of being a web page designer. Not the most creative job but it still paid well. It let him do other things he wanted to do.
So.. now he had to think of what to say. What would he say? He couldn't just nod then stand there quiet like he already had. It was wierd, and strange. It was bad manors, something he had been told a lot when he use to live with his mother years ago. The blush faded from his face, his hand, clenching on his bag for a moment as he continued to try to think of something to say. The little one seemed to speak to... was she shy like he was? Hm..
"Are.."
He paused for a moment. That didn't don't right. He shouldn't say that he should say something else!
"Do you both.."
He paused for a moment.
"Come here often?"
THERE!He said something! He said it and felt like an idiot! Still, it was something at least bisides silence or another hello. That was some sort of step right?
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Posted: Sat Jan 06, 2007 11:20 am
Marie grinned. "Well, you'll be back here. It's hard not to resist. There are a few good bakeries in my general neighborhood, down 'round the waterfront area, but i'll still make the trek up here."
He stood there, fumbling for the right words. Marie felt a pang of sympathy well up inside her, but she carefully kept the emotion hidden away. It would probably just make feel him embarrassed. Sympathy was for the pathetic. Instead, while he attempted to spit out what he wanted to say, she studied the countertop. Spotless, as usual, her eyes traced its surface until he posed his question.
"Pretty much. I sometimes work 'round here so then i'll visit on a daily basis," she chattered. "Right now i'm waiting to my turn at the studio to come 'round, so I don't get a chance to pop in as often."
Chione quiety moved around Marie, until she was standing in front of her guardian. The little girl's body was pushing against Marie's legs, as if making sure the taller female was still there. "It is my first time, though," she said in haltering speech. "Marie wanted to take me to... to... uhm..." ..."Audley, " Marie supplied the word. The little girl shot Marie a mock dark look, practically saying that with a few more minutes, she could've fished up the name too.
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