Preston offered three times in total to drive me to the bakery, and I declined four times — while trying to hold in my tears (which I was doing a horrible job at). I didn't want him to look at me with pity in his eyes. He called me sunshine for goodness sake! I didn't want my tears and immature behaviour to ruin that nickname he had for me. When I tried to smile, my heart quivered. Ah...settle down heart. I tried to console her, to be honest, I wanted to go back and give Everest a punch in the gut! Then kiss him because I didn't want him to go back to her. Florescent.

Who was that woman?

How long were they engaged?

Was she the reason he stayed in the army for so long? I didn't want to think about this, I simply wanted to hug my pillow and cry. When I was done, I planned to powder my nose and go back to the bakery. Which was why I refused Preston driving me back. He'd have to wait until I was done with my breakdown. "Sunshine..." Preston called out sadly, turning off the engine.

"Please tell me what happened, or at least if you'd be okay when I leave." He kept his gaze on me, making it hard to retain my tears. Why was I even crying? I bet Florescent didn't cry this way when she was sad, was that why he liked her? She was so beautiful, slim and curvy. She was pale-skinned with long fluffy hair. Don't compare yourself. I replayed my mother's words in my head.

"I will be Preston, I'm just...being silly." A sad chuckle left my lips, I sniffed in my tears. "It's embarrassing, I know." Preston knotted his eyebrows, his lips downturned simultaneously. He moved closer to me.

"Hey, I don't know what happened in there, but your being emotional isn't silly. It means it hurts you. That's not silly sunshine." His words were comforting. Nibbling on my lips, I sighed. "I'm not going to lie, I'm worried about what'll happen when you go in. You have work in about an hour, you know?" This was his other attempt of convincing me.

He made it seem as though I'd do something terrible!

I wouldn't!

I mean, maybe? My lips quivered, I was staying here too long and my tears threatened to fall. "P-Preston," I whispered, trying not to look him in the eye. When last had I been this vulnerable? I preferred it when I was all laughs. Not tears!

"Yes, Lia?" Preston was listening, his words gentle and cautious.

"H-he...he was engaged." Finally, the tears began to flow, the sound of myself crying was foreign to my ears. My head was hot, nose stuffy. "Everest was engaged and he didn't tell me. She's so beautiful! So...so mature. And I...I feel so silly for thinking we could be together! He...Preston!" I couldn't complete my words because he came down from the car, quickly circled it and pulled me up to hug me.

"Let it out." The gentle taps on my back made me bawl harder.

"Why do I feel so hurt?! It was in the past but...I don't even know!" Preston held me tight, not complaining that I was getting his baby blue shirt wet, or the fact that I sounded like a dying chick when bawling. He just comforted me. I owed him one.

"So he was engaged in the past and didn't tell you?"

I nodded, trying to stop my tears, my hand wrapped around his neck. Whoever Wendy was, that woman was darn lucky to have such a kind man pursue her. "And, he even listened to her. She told him to let me go and he did." A part of me hoped he wouldn't let go, it hoped he'd pull me in and refuse to let me go until he explained. But a part of me wanted to leave the place, it was so choking. I was torn.

"To let you go? What do you mean?"

When I settled down, I began to tell him everything. From my first — spiteful encounter with Florescent to this one. Explaining how he never mentioned her, yet they were apparently engaged. Why did they call it off? Did she not love him anymore? Was he abusive to her?

Gah, Everest wasn't abusive. He was kind, gentle yet stern. I shook my head mentally. Maybe he was just faking it. I didn't know what to think.

"Oh..." That was all Preston said.

He looked down as if thinking of what to say. Frankly, I felt a tad bit better after whaling to him, he didn't seem to mind anyways. Preston ran a hand through his blonde curls, clenching his jaw. "How did she know to get her car fixed there? We're they still in contact or was it merely a coincidence?" He pondered out loud.

See?

More unanswered questions.

What if Evie— I mean Everest was still in contact with her? What if they still remained intimate even after the engagement? Did he tell her he had started working in the mechanic shop? Was that their usual meeting place? My ears heated up in embarrassment. So, the time I went there to put on a scene and kiss his cheek in front of everyone, did they know? I looked like a fool I'm sure.

Ah...my head was pounding.

"No, don't put those thoughts in your head." Preston scolded, I jerked up, wiping my face. Was he reading my mind?

"Look, as much as I despise him right now, it was clear that he wanted to explain. These questions are just my assumptions sunshine. The true story is with him." His advice made my stomach turn. Let him explain.

"But I don't want to see him."

I did. But I also didn't.

"Then I guess you'll keep assuming different things that tear your heart in two until you do." I gasped, pushing his shoulder. "That's not very nice." Preston laughed, shrugging.

"The truth pains Lia."

"Jerk," I mumbled. Preston gasped, seeming offended. This made me sit up, "I take it back, you're not a jerk! You've helped me so much and I really appreciate it!" He smirked, triumph written on his face. "That's more I like it."

"We have about thirty minutes more, sunshine. Go change, I'll drop you off."

"But—"

"And I'm not taking no for an answer. We're going to the same place anyways. Now shoo! I'm waiting." He stepped aside, stretching his hand towards my home. Preston's adamant behaviour made me smile, he cared about me.

Nodding, I wiped my cheeks while going towards the house.

Abel wasn't around, the house was way too silent for him to be. Thank God, I didn't want him to notice my puffy eyes. I knew he'd make Everest's work hard if told him what happened. That was the last thing I wanted him to do.

I thought back to what Florescent said.

'Let her go, you look pathetic.'

Did he care what she thought about him? Was that why he let my hand go?

Staring at my reflection, I noticed my eyes were red, and puffy. The eyeliner I'd put had smudged. I looked a mess. Pushing the facet of the tap up, I dipped my hand into it, washing my face. Evie hadn't messaged me yet. Were they catching up on the good old days?

My thoughts were doing more damage than good, so I decided not to think about it any longer. Easier said than done.

Taking out the pink version of my work shirt, I paired it with a pair of black high-waisted jeans. It clung to my hips but loosened at the bottom. Combing out my hair, I put it in a high bun, letting two strands fall to my face. I stared at the texture of my hair, remembering how Florescent's own was effortlessly gorgeous. Tears brimmed my eyes.

"No, Amelia your hair is perfect," I said sternly, glaring at my reflection. "You are beautiful." I rubbed my lipgloss.

"And if Everest wants her instead, it's fine by me."

Huffing, I dazed myself in the flower-scented perfume before putting on sandals and running downstairs. Where was Papa? I hadn't seen him in a while.

Remembering Preston was still outside waiting, I quickly left, locking the door and shoving the key into the secret stash. Preston was left against the car, typing something on the phone.

"Is it Wendy?" I teased, skipping over to him. Preston held in a smile, shoving his phone into his pocket. "She said I should have a great day at work." He replied, chuckling to himself. "So, are you feeling better?"

I shrugged.

"Don't worry about me, I'll survive."

We entered the car.

"Preston?" I called out when the car began to move. He narrowed his eyes my way. "Yes, sunshine?"

"Thank you...for today."

I was truly thankful, what if I'd taken a bus to go to the workshop? Then I'd be crying to myself on the ride back home, that would have been embarrassing. I mean, this was still embarrassing but also comforting to know someone cared. A genuine smile lifted his face.

"What are you thanking me for? The day is just beginning."

"I'm serious!" I pouted my lips. He chuckled, "It's okay. You're always welcome." I appreciated it. A lot.

-----

I guess Misan — the jet black-haired girl that worked near the counter noticed my mood change because she asked what was wrong. I dismissed it with a smile. This wasn't good, I was meant to be bubbly to my customers! Not a sad sap.

Taking a deep breath, I groaned, placing my head on the wall near the kitchen. "This sucks!" I muttered under my breath. The last thing I wanted was to let my thoughts interrupt my work.

"You okay there?" A voice called out, making me turn around swiftly. It was Blossom. Her lips were flat, her eyes piercing mine. "You seem out of it." The girl was rather down to earth. I chuckled nervously. "I'm great!"

Her eyebrow arched suspiciously. "You're lying." The accusation made me wince. Was it an accusation if it was true? Blossom folded her arm, her expression remaining stoic. She and Hugh were so much alike, they both didn't smile very much — and they were the most talkative with Ava. The bubbly twin.

Hugh and Ava were cute to watch, I loved how Hugh's lips twitched whenever she said something funny, or how he guarded her when she squealed if the doughnut dropped in the oil and made a splash. Hugh was mostly on facilities, making sure everything was in place. Mrs M knew he didn't talk much, so she didn't put him as a server.

Blossom was in the kitchen for the same reason.

"I am," I admitted. "I just, don't feel so too in my mood today." She shrugged.

"I could tell that from a mile away." Ah, so it was that obvious? Here I was thinking I did a good job in hiding it. Blossom leaned on the wall, crossing her arms. "You wanna switch?"

"Huh?" I didn't expect the request. I hadn't worked in the kitchen since I came, seeing as I was still getting used to being a server. This was sudden, but perhaps I needed a change in environment. "You want me to switch with you?" I asked to clarify. She shrugged.

"If it'll lift your spirit, I can crack a few smiles for the customers while I serve." This made me giggle, clapping my hands. "Thank you so much!" I tried to hug her but she stepped back. "Handshake." She said, stretching her hand. I gladly took it, shaking her vigorously.

"Get in there, Ava will show you the loops." She walked away, going straight to the customer that just walked in. I only saw her back but from the looks of it, the customer didn't mind so I concluded that she was 'cracking a smile' as she'd said.

The kitchen was much bigger than I expected, there were three oven at each side while a large frying pot was at the edge. Ava was leaning on the counter while Hugh was against the wall. I could see a subtle smile form on his lips. When his eyes met mine, Ava turned.

"Amelia! What are you doing back here?" She skipped over, "Not that I mind and all, where's Blossom?"

I explained to her.

"Oh, that's perfectly fine! Welcome to the kitchen! Where we make the sweet treats!" She grinned grabbing my hand to show me around. Ava showed me how the oven worked and the batter that was in the mixer was for the cake which would be the next thing in the oven. All the while, I could feel myself getting better.

Maybe this was what I needed.

"What's Hugh doing here?" I decided to ask. Hugh perked up, avoiding my gaze. "Oh!" Ava's pale skin made it easy for the blood rushing to her cheeks to show. She was blushing. "He uh...he wasn't doing much on his side so he decided to keep me company. Do you mind?"

"Oh, no! It's fine. You can carry on, I'll do the cake." She nodded, going back to Hugh. Ava whispered something to Hugh and he smiled, shrugging. Were they a thing now? His height made their interaction cuter.

The cake was a cinnamon vanilla cake with a whipped cream coating. I'd tried my hands at designing cakes before but I'd handover to Ava when it was time to do that. Humming to myself, I began to beat the egg until it became thick and white. Ava told me to use my discretion, hence, I wanted to make it a bit sweet. Baking did the trick, for a bit, it took my mind off what happened today.

How the flour mixed with the wet mixture to become a smooth texture was almost therapeutic. From the scent to seeing the lightly brown cake come out of the oven, it made me feel giddy inside. "Looks delicious," I murmured to myself, I also felt good knowing I gave Ava and Hugh a bit of private time.

When I was done setting down the cake and letting it cool off, I began whipping the cream. A simple mixture of cream cheese, heavy cream and powdered sugar. It took a lot of self-control not to stuff my mouth full of whipped cream, it tasted so sweet and smooth in texture! Giggling, I set down the thing I'd need to decorate the cake.

When I looked back, I realized Hugh was on his way out. Ava stood on her tiptoes, placing a kiss on his cheeks before she turned back to me shyly. Awe, I cheesed inside my mind. The way he avoided my eyes made it sweeter. "So! You ready Amelia?" She asked smoothly. I'd be a stuttering mess if it was me.

"Yep, so, what's the design?"

Ava skipped up to me, taking the lead in the design of the cake. It seemed easy enough, when we were done, we dropped it at the compartment where Misan would come put it in the show glass or give it to the servers for the customers who made orders for them.

This was better than tending to customers! Perhaps I'd bribe Blossom to let me stay here for a few more days. We made more of some treats that people ordered.

Brownies.

Cupcakes.

Apple crumbles.

It was quite refreshing to be more hands-on, the benefit was that we got to nibble on a few, I guess that was the secret between Blossom and Ava, now I was part of the duo. Hehe.

"Oh, we're closing soon." Ava chirped after checking her phone, "You have a ride?" She asked, putting it down and bringing out the last batch of cookies. "No, I'll take a bus back home," I said, smiling. It wasn't forced as I was trying to do before, it felt more genuine. "Do you want me and Blossom to give you a ride?"

"Ah, no. It's totally fine." I didn't want to be a bother.

"You sure?"

Before I could complete my words, the door pushed. We both looked towards the entrance, seeing Preston emerge while breathing hard. "Preston?" Our voices echoed in unison. He looked up, letting out a deep breath.

"Hey Ava, sunshine." He cocked his head when his gaze reached mine. "Your man friend is here, and he's asking for you."

My smile faltered. Who was he referring to?

"Who?" I was already walking towards him. "I told him you weren't here, but he...kept insisting." Preston continued, opening the door for me. "Remember what I said." He whispered before I was out of the door. About to ask what he meant by that, it clicked the moment I saw who Preston said was here for me. It was him, the man I didn't think I'd be seeing for a while.

My chest felt constricted in my body.

There he sat, in his grey sweatpants and fitted white shirt. His hair was rumpled, expression was as though he was deep in thought. It was as if he knew I had come because his head snapped in my direction.

My heart skipped a beat.

"Amelia." Everest breathed out as if relieved. I wasn't ready for this, not one bit. So I did what I thought was best, I ran into the staff's toilet, where I knew he couldn't come in to see me.