Chapter Twenty-One: Not Such A Sweet Treat
Dear Nettie,
Isn't my precious the most perfect little girl any parent could hope for? Cordelia and Eugene have both finished their Artistic Prodigy aspiration. As a reward I thought we'd go somewhere my other daughter loved.
You'll be disappointed to know
Sweet Treat was not the same place I once knew. The bakery was shuttered up and a
For Sale sign hung from the floor above.
Maybe we should have called ahead? Johnny said.
I knocked on the door anyway, hoping someone might have answers. It wasn't Mrs Berry who let us in though.
Did you know her well?I couldn't stop staring at him. Why? Well, he looks just like my Dad in the way Mrs Berry reminds me of Summer.
Sorry, no, I just know she used to run the bakery.
It's been empty for a few years now. I-I... None of her children were interested in taking over, what with the recession and everything. I'm just glad to know someone cared.Looking around the place I noticed Mrs Berry's grandson had rummaged through her things and was placing them in cardboard boxes. The peeling walls revealed wallpapers from many years of tenancy and the carpet had been pulled apart to expose original floorboards. Probably investors looking for a good deal.
Is she alright, your Gran?
Yeah, just her thoughts always seem to be in the past. Like she doesn't want to think of the future anymore. She lives with me and my wife, we're hoping to provide for her with whatever we can salvage from here.
Hey, did you want to check any of her stuff? I'll do you a deal.He was genuinely desperate but the smell of mould and years of neglect meant there wasn't anything I could immediately pick out.
It was Cordelia who had the idea. She begged me for approval, Johnny didn't help by just laughing and saying it was all up to me.
Please, Mummy, it's what I've always wanted.
I don't know. It's a lot of work on top of your requirements.
Pretty please?When she's got her hands clasped like that and her eyes sparkling, how can I refuse?
Fine.
Eh? Really, you're really saying yes?
Yes, baby. She bounded into my arms.
I guess I'd better get the cheque out.
Leave that to me, Johnny said,
I want this to be a special gift from her Dad.
Wow, I don't know how to thank you. This will help us so much. I can't wait to tell Gran.
And that is how we bought a dilapidated bakery instead of a few cupcakes.
Dina and her son were waiting for us in a nearby park. Eugene had a rose in his hand, a Mother's Day flower for his wonderful Mum. It was lovely to see her smiling, her son on her lap talking excitedly about going to meet his Dad.
I was too distracted by the day's proceedings to pay much attention to Cordelia so Johnny stepped in as her sea monster. I really hope we didn't throw away our money for something that will take years to rebuild and then bankrupt us if Cordelia gets bored with the idea of running her own shop.
Love, Kessy H Chant.
