Chapter Thirteen: Sweet Treat
Hello NJ!
Now that Mummy has an heir she said I can write to you. Anyway let me go back a bit. I haven't met my Mum before, the kids at school think it's really weird but I know she's got an important job to do. I was a little upset when Uncle Mal and I couldn't contact her. Don't tell anyone but I cried when that other person cut me off, I thought my Mummy hated me...
The rumbling of the rocket died down and she climbed down the steps with a huge grin on her face.
Mummy!
She stopped in her tracks as I launched myself at her.
Is that my little Stardust? She said, hugging me tight and then pulling away to squint at me.
I'm big now.She laughs in a way that makes me giggle and I hold her hand to check she's real.
You'll always be my little baby.Uncle Mal alerted Daddy and the first thing he did was kiss her. It's obvious this will go on for a while.
Mummy had to take a long bath and send her suit in to get thoroughly cleaned. When she came out she sat with me in my room.
What's all this white stuff on your clothes?
Flour. Uncle Mal's teaching me to bake.
Baking? Like cakes and stuff?
Nope. Just cookies and sometimes muffins like Great Granny Janet used to in her other, other life.
But baby, why?
Well...***
Remember how I said I was upset? Daddy had a surprise for me.
I used to come here all the time, he said.
I was about your age. Me, Gavin and J would meet on Saturday mornings and we'd stuff ourselves with cakes, cookies and hmm the doughnuts.
Daddy reminisces and I peek through the window. There's a slice of cake on display with hundreds and thousands sprinkled over the top, each layer of it is in different colours and oozing with chocolate. The smell wafting out makes my mouth water. There's a waitress wearing a cute bow and she's talking to an older lady decorating a bright pink cake.
A bell jangles as we enter. There are some people sitting and eating pancakes, it's Betty Clarence, her Dad and her brother.
Here, love. Daddy pulls out a chair for me.
Mrs Berry! It's me, Mitch.
Mitch? Darling boy, you haven't been to see me in years, let me look at you. She waggles her finger disapprovingly when she sees he's added on a whole lot of weight since he was a kid.
Didn't I say to exercise?Dad grins sheepishly. She tsk-tsks and turns to me.
My, what a beautiful little girl you have.
Thank you, ma'am. I'm not used to old ladies talking to me. Uncle Mal says I have to be wary of them - he also says Mum's Granny was a real hag and we all know witches have a sweet tooth and a penchant for eating children.
Luckily the waitress with the cute bow comes over to take Daddy's order and Mrs Berry goes to the back of the shop.
I tiptoe to the counter and watch as she puts a tray of chocolate mix into the oven.
Minutes later, she brings them out and sighs contently and fans herself with the smell of her baked goods.
Next, she decorated the tops and added a coat of icing sugar.
All done, Phoebe.The waitress brings over two plates for me and Daddy.
Your Chocolate Soufflé, she says and winks at me.
This is the fun part. Daddy uses his spoon to break into the soufflé and chocolate comes pouring out.
I copy him and soon we both forget our table manners and have chocolate smeared all over our faces.
Daddy, this is the best present ever. I want to come here all the time.I look over to where Mrs Berry is observing us. She has a sad look on her face and then smiles when she catches me looking at her.
Come again, Mitch, bring your family.
I'll be sure to.
Daddy paid for the Chocolate Soufflés and ordered a goodie box of assorted treats to take home.
I had a wonder around the shop, the Clarences were also leaving and Betty waved at me shyly. I really like it here, the colours are so pretty and the smell. I wish I could smell like cakes and sweets all the time.
I couldn't wait to share a cupcake with my Mum when she returned home.
***
Mummy isn't entirely pleased with the cake shop idea. She gets that I love it but now I have to visit the dentist.
Speak to you soon,
Star K Chant.
