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chapter 1o.
(o2/1o)
baking with friends !

preview:

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The timer chimed, signalling that the first batch of donut base was ready. Hurrying to turn off the oven, I did not notice the end of the carpet sticking up, and naturally, tripped and fell face-first onto the marble floor. Ouch!

Thankfully, nobody else was home. Mum was abroad as the commentator of the Women's Horseback Race. Slowly, I lifted myself to my knees and gasped.

Right across my right knee was a bruise, raw and red. I sighed. This was not the first time, but back then, I had an idiot who would first frown. But then, he would tie something on the wound, laugh it off, and lend me his hand.

Ding dong!

I stood up instantly and regretted. A sharp pain shot from the injury, and I had to grasp the dining chair to steady myself. If this was how I had to lead my college life, it was better to get used to it — without him.

Shauna was at the door, and I was surprised to see that she was backed up by Lisia, May and Dawn. "Hey!" They shouted in chorus, and pushed past me into the house.

"Guys?" I asked, sweat-dropping.

"Whaaat?" Lisia dragged, admiring the numerous cups my mum had won. "You think we would let you do all the work alone?" She wheeled around, hands on hips as she glared at me. "We ask you to do something, then we are in to do that with you as well!"

I smiled tearfully. I guess I have been lonely for long. Don't get chummy, girl.

"Aww, here." Suddenly, May hopped two steps and caught me in a hug. "You can always count on us!"

I hugged her back gratefully. My eyes scanned the rest of them. Lisia was still looking sour that I had not been expecting their help. Dawn finger-gunned, mouthing 'Don't worry!' while Shauna had a proud glint in her eye. I wonder why...

May broke the embrace and asked, "Um, where's the kitchen?"

I laughed, and the atmosphere considerably lifted. But then it dimmed in an instant as soon as I smelled something terrible.

"What's that...peculiar smile?" Dawn asked, scrunching her nose, but I didn't answer her. The oven was on, and the donuts were burning!

Minutes later, we were all settled down in the living room, drawing plans as Shauna made us some tea. The girls had forced me to take a seat as soon as they had seen the bruise on my knee, and under my jaw (which I had no idea existed until Lisia pointed out).

"Okay, there are three things to be done!" Lisia announced, waving her arms around to gain attention. "Get supplies, learn what flavours everybody needs and get the show goin'!"

"I could fetch the supplies!" Dawn chimed in, raising her hand. "I have my smartwatch, and it can tell me the accurate quantity required to bake said amount of donuts!"

Lisia nodded in approval. I smiled, happiness filling my chest. Lisia had always desired to be the leader, and she was worthy of the title as well. "Okay. Dawn will be on the running errand. She will require help, though. Shauna?"

Shauna nodded eagerly. "I'm on it!"

"Great!" The teal-haired girl clapped. "I will take care of contacting people. We've got to ask Calem, Trevor, Tierno, and Gary. Wait, I don't have Gary's number."

"I do," May piped up. "I'll ask them."

I raised my eyebrow at the use of 'them', but made no comment.

"Serena, will you be fine on your own in the kitchen?" Shauna asked, worry lacing her voice.

"Of course, I'm the one who's supposed to be the cook, after all!" I replied, giving her a reassuring smile. For once, I was not feeling down ever since the incident.

"She's not alone," May chimed in. "Lisia and I will join her as soon as we have received word from them and have informed you girls."

Everybody agreed, and parted ways. Dawn and Shauna left for the mart, whilst I returned to the kitchen and began to start on the fresh bases. The burnt ones were too bitter to eat and had to be discarded.

It took hours, perhaps three to four, to complete all the work. There was one more batch left to be done — the one for Gary, who had asked for four instead of two. Perhaps, he intended on sharing them with Misty, who had a beef against me due to the incident. Of course, Ash would never taste them. He hated me, after all.

That was the only gloomy thought that occupied my errant mind as soon as the girls left for their homes. The room was silent, and with solitude came the pain of loneliness, of losing a friend.

As I sat under the starry sky, a pen and paper on lap, on the windowsill of my room, thoughts ran wild and free in my mind.

I never knew you would mean so damn much to me, Ash. Despite my best efforts, I can't help this feeling. When I heard you liked a girl, I can't help but feel miserably inferior.

Forget a love story. The world you brought to life caved in as soon as you decided to run out on me. What was that promise for...?

Nevertheless, I had a job.

A job to ensure my side of the promise: to make sure you will smile at least once a day.

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Hey guys!

I'm gonna attach such previews in front of each chapter, so that you'll have a glimpse of what's going to happen in the same. Reminder, it'll only be for chapters, not the letters!

The plot is starting. What do you think happened between our protagonists in the past? Comment it down! I'd love to hear your thoughts on this chapter!

I'm also wondering if I should write Ash's side of the story, as this book is primarily from Serena's PoV. Would anybody like that? 😅

Thank you for supporting me!

Miyoko x