chapter four

The second semester is coming to an end, and I can't wait any longer, but I guess I'll spend most of my time in the convenience store since I'll start working all day once the break begins.

"I'm so stressed, roman," I whined. "If only I could run away," I said.

"It's easy to run away, but remember that facing your problems and working on them will make you stronger,"

"You're right, but it's a headache," I told him.

I'm restocking some chips on the shelves while sharing my problems with Roman. I have been thinking about the money we need for my father's therapy. I was thinking about where I could get the money we needed, not until Roman gave me an idea.

"How's your business going?" he asked me.

"We haven't taken any orders yet," I sighed.

"Why don't you try selling your brownies here in the store? Talk to the owner, ask him if you can do that," he suggested.

"Do you think I can do that?" I asked. I was shy to ask the owner, but my shyness wouldn't take me anywhere, so I tried calling him as soon as possible.

I took my phone out and called him. He answered my call in just a few rings.

"Hey, Cara! Is there something wrong?" He asked me.

"No. I'm sorry for calling this late. Everything's okay here in the store." I said, assuring him that everything's good here.

"Okay? So what's up?" He asked.

"I want to ask permission if I could sell brownies here in the store?" I was biting my nails again. I'm nervous.

"Why?" He asked.

"I have a financial problem, so I was trying my luck if I could sell some brownies to earn more," I said frankly.

"Okay, I'll allow you but promised me it wouldn't affect your performance as a worker at the store," He said calmly. I was shocked he allowed me. So, I immediately texted Julia.

"Julia, can I bake fudgy brownies tomorrow morning? I'll buy the ingredients later when I leave work. I'll use my own money first. 50% of the income will be for our business, and can I use the other 50% for my dad's therapy?"  I texted her.

It took her an hour before she replied.

"Okay, cara! We'll bake tomorrow. See you!" she texted back.

I am glad she allowed me to use 50% of the income for my father's needs. You're a blessing to me, Julia! I am always grateful for you.

"Thank you, Roman!" I said.

"Don't be shy, Cara! Shyness will take a lot of opportunity from you," He smiled at me.

He's right. Shyness can ruin opportunities. If I were shy and didn't ask the owner, I would still be here worrying though I know that my earnings will not be that high, at least somehow I could earn a little that could help us.

My shift was over. We closed the shop, and I went to buy the ingredients. I hope someone will buy it tomorrow.

I went home once I bought everything I needed.

"Cara? What's that?" I heard Carlon's voice. I looked around and saw him outside his room.

"Is mom in the hospital?" I asked him.

"Yes, dad will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow." He said, yawning. "Aunt Judy went there to pay the bills," he added. I nodded at him and let him go back to sleep since I knew he was tired too.

I was able to sleep peacefully. I set the alarm at 5 am, but I woke up before the alarm rang. I quickly went to the bathroom and shower. I need to bake early. So I can bring the brownies later at 10 am when I go back to work.

I rang the doorbell at Julia's house, and she opened the door for me.

"Mom wants to help you with your father's therapy," she said. Her mom and my dad were batchmates in high school.

"Really? I'd appreciate any help," I said.

"I hope you can sell all of this," she said while mixing the ingredients.

"I hope to," I sighed.

"I know you're too tired physically and mentally, but don't give up, okay?" she said. Sincerely. "The semester break will begin tomorrow. I know you will work harder. Just tell me if you need any help," she added.

"I want to make our business work. I feel like it could help us." I suddenly see potential in this business. I want to take a risk.

"I will sell the brownies in the convenience store, so can we pack this individually and not in a box?" I asked her again.

"We can do that."

We put the tray in the oven and prepared the packaging.

We were walking to the store when we noticed a group of friends entering the store. We walked faster, laughing together when we realized we were so desperate to sell these brownies.

Roman wasn't there yet, only one staff, who I knew as well.

I put the brownies in front of the cashier.

"Is this for sale?" a teenager asked me, holding the brownie.

"Yeah. It was only a dollar. It's delicious, I promise," I smiled.

"Perfect. I was craving sweets today," the girl laughed and gave me a dollar.

I was waiting for her to eat the brownie so I could see her reaction, but she put it in a tote bag.

Julia and I were still at the store when Austin arrived.

"Hey! You're too early today. I thought you work at night," He said as he looked at me.

"It's semester break. I asked the owner if I could work in the morning. He allowed me." I told him, looking if someone would notice the brownies.

He looked at what I was looking at, and he gasped when he saw the brownies.

"When did you bake?" He asked us, looking like a child without a lollipop.

"What's with the look?" Julia laughed at him.

"Why didn't you tell me?" He said, pouting.

"It was not planned. We baked early in the morning and tried if someone would buy it here in the store," I explained.

"Did someone buy already?" He asked. " Only one," Julia said.

The girls caught the attention of Austin. I noticed that the girls were whispering to each other when Austin went inside the store, so I guessed they thought Austin was cute? or hot? Oh! I don't want to think about it. Austin suddenly smirked. He went to get one brownie and ate it. I was about to protest when Julia whispered to me to watch Austin.

"Who baked this?" he asked the staff. The staff was smiling at Austin as if she knew what he was doing.

"It's so delicious," he said, then looked at the girls, "have you tasted it yet? I think you should try this. You'll like it," he said and offered the brownies.

Each of them took one brownie. I just got a sale of 6 dollars now. I was amazed at Austin. The group of friends said goodbye to Austin first before they left.

"See what happened? You really need me in this business," He said, being full of himself.

"You're good at sales talk," I complimented him.

"I think it's better if you'll stay here," Julia said, joking at Austin.

"I'd love to, but I have to run some errands at home," he said to us. "I think you can do what I did just now. What do you think?" he said, smirking.

"Of course, we can. Come here again at night, and let's see if there's still a brownie left?" I said confidently. Of course, Julia and I can do it too.

Austin left, and we waited for customers. I started working while Julia stayed here with me in the store. Roman arrived, and we talked about the robbery incident.

A couple of guys went inside the store to buy some energy drinks, and when they were at the counter. I asked them if they would like to buy some brownies.

"Who made the brownies?" A guy in a blue shirt asked me.

"I made those," I smiled at him, and oh my gosh, he smiled at me.

"Really? Okay. I'll get three brownies," He can look directly at me. Why can't I?

I nodded, and I gave him his change. I looked at him once and smiled at him. Those blue eyes!

"Miss, are you okay?" the guy beside him asked me.

"Yes, why?" I'm confused.

"Your face is getting red," then they laughed. I saw Julia laughing also.

I cannot help but laugh too, but I'm super embarrassed to the guy in a blue shirt.

"I'm sorry," I said, hiding my smiles.

They were walking to the door when one of his friends shouted, "His name is Colin!"

I was super embarrassed. Why would I blush in front of that guy?

"Cara, what happened to you?" she laughed hysterically. "That was the first time I saw you blush because of a guy," she said, holding her stomach from laughing too much.

"Don't mention it to anyone. I was too embarrassed." I sighed, "It's just that I adored guys with blue eyes." I shyly admitted.

"I think you need to date," she said, smirking at me, and the looks she's giving me are not good. It's as if she's planning something.

"No. I don't need to date. I'm too busy, and I have a lot of problems these days, so I think being in a relationship is not what I needed." I told her.

I dated some guys before, but it's nothing serious. If I date again, I want it to be genuine love and real his time. I don't want to waste my time on something that I'm unsure about and will only give me another headache.

"But seriously, was that colin guy your type?" she asked me again, teasing me.

I sighed, "I guess." I admitted, "I like guys with blue eyes." I smiled sheepishly.

"Why don't you dress yourself a little sexier?" She suggested.

"No way!" I don't know what's with Julia. She seems to love teasing for what happened.

My phone rang, and I saw that it was Carlon calling.

I answered it, and carlon told me that they were home and aunt Judy bought a wheelchair for Dad.

"Tell if that colin guy went here again, okay?" Julia said, still not over to what happened earlier.

I didn't say and just smiled at her.

Austin arrived a little later with food.

"Is it for us?" I asked while assisting a customer at the counter.

"Of course," he said, smiling at us. He gave Julia, roman and me some burgers.

"Austin, you should've seen Cara earlier with that blue-eyed guy," Julia said as she bit the burger.

"Who?" Austin asked, looking back and forth between us.

"I know what type of guy cara likes," Julia said as if she's teasing Austin. I doubt he cares about my type.

"I know it too," he said, which shocked me because I know I didn't say anything.

"I know she likes guys with blue eyes and someone who can sing." He said, looking intently at me. "I can see it in her eyes when she's interested, or let's say have a crush on someone,"

"You can see it in her eyes? When she looks at you, what do you see in her eyes?" Julia's mouth is starting again.

"I only have two brownies left," I told them to change the subject.

"I see nothing," he chuckled. "anyways, how are the brownies?" he asked me.

"I have two brownies left," I showed him the tray.

"I'll buy it," Roman said. "I'm craving for some sweet,"

I went home right after work. I decided to take the bus instead of riding in Julia's car. Julia's dad parked her car in front of the store when he dropped by the store earlier.

I walked to the bus stop and waited for the bus to arrive.

"Cara, I'll drive you home," Austin suddenly appeared in front of me, riding a motorcycle.

"When did you buy a motorcycle?" I asked him as I went near him.

"This is my father's. I only borrowed it," he said.

"It's dangerous. Be careful," I said.

Austin needs to be careful if he doesn't want to be like what happened to Dad.

"I didn't want to ride with Julia so I could have some time alone," I said.

"But I don't think the bus is coming any sooner, so I guess I'll let you bring me home," I smiled at him, and he chuckled.

"Do you want to go home now? Or do you want to go somewhere else?" he asked.

"Where do you want to go?" I asked.

"I know a place." He said, smiling. I rode the motorcycle, and we went to a place not far away from home. I look at the cafe. I didn't know this place existed.

"This place is beautiful," I said, sitting under a tree. Many people were inside the cafe, but I'd like to appreciate the view from the outside. It looks magical.

"Do you want to stay here outside?" Austin asked.

"Yeah. I think I like it here than inside," I said, admiring the view.

"I'll buy a coffee. Wait for me here,"

He went inside to buy a coffee, and I stayed here under the tree. I took my phone to take a photo of the place. I seldom take selfies on my phone. I usually take pictures of the sceneries since it calms me.

Austin arrived and saw me taking pictures of the place.

"Do you want me to take a photo of you?" He asked.

"No. I was taking a photo of the place. It's beautiful, " I said.

Instead of answering me, he took out his phone, sat beside me, and asked for a selfie with me.

"What? No! I don't like." I said, laughing.

"C'mon. We barely have a picture together,"

"I looked like a mess," I giggled.

"You look so pretty today," He complimented me.

"Oh! Stop it, Austin!" We were laughing like a fool under the tree.

A group of friends was looking at us, and they were smiling. I thought they were going to the tree beside us, so we behaved like a child, but they went to us.

"Hi! I'm a photographer. Can I take some photos of both of you?" He said, smiling at us.

"Sure," Austin said. He looked so happy.

"You two look good together. How long are you in a relationship?" He asked.

"No- We're just friends." I immediately said. He just shrugged.

"We're just friends," Austin said, smiling like an idiot.

"Okay, but you look cute together," He said. I don't know if he believed that we were just friends or thought otherwise.

He taught us how to pose. We did five shots. I guess we looked like a couple in those photos. Austin seems like it doesn't bother him at all. I told the photographer not to upload it on any social media and send it via messenger, and he agreed.

"Let's go home," I told Austin since it's getting late and colder.

I went inside the house and found them all sleeping. I quietly walked into my room because my dad was sleeping in the living room.

THE NEXT DAY

I don't know what's with me today, but I feel like wearing a dress. I'm not a girly girl nor a boyish type of person, but I only wear comfortable clothes. It's sunny today, so I guess a dress would be alright.

"Cara, are you dating anyone?" Carlon suddenly asked me.

"No. Why did you ask?" I asked him while I was wearing a sandal.

"The last time I saw you wear a dress was when you were dating-" I covered his mouth.

"Will you shut up? I'm not dating anyone. I should just change." I rolled my eyes. He was smiling like crazy.

"Fine. I believe you now, don't change. You look better in that dress."He said.

"Are you sure?" I asked him.

"Yes, you look good. Go ahead."

Julia and I will be going to the baking store. We planned to buy something for our packaging.

"Austin called me last night. He made a website for our business. He sent me the link. Let's look at it later at home." She said while looking at the list she made.

"We're buying parchment paper, boxes, and ribbon. Let's look around the store if we need more," Julia added.

She parked her car in front of the mall.

"Why are you wearing a dress today? Did you think about what I said yesterday?" she said, smirking.

"No. I feel like wearing a dress since it's sunny," I said.

"Austin will be here too. Let's have lunch together," She said. We went to the baking store and bought more things than we should. I gave her money that was my share for our baking needs.

"Mom said we should try to make her cinnamon rolls o banana bread, and she's willing to spend just for us to learn more about baking."

"Really? I think that's great. We need to learn more recipes so we can create a menu," I said. "all we know right now is brownies and choco chips cookies."

"We should hustle more," Julia said. "By the way, one of our classmates said that it was too sweet."

"Should we lessen the sugar?" I asked.

"Mom said no. She was the only one who complained that it was too sweet. The majority likes it. We shouldn't change anything from the recipe."

My phone rang, and it was mom calling.

"Where are you?" she asked.

"At the mall. I'm with Julia. Why?"

"Are you spending your money on baking again?" she asked me.

"It was my savings from my allowance the last sem," I reasoned.

"There's a lot of bakeries here in our city. Few people will buy in your business. This is not the time you should waste your money. You know our situation." I sighed.

"Mom, relax! Why don't you help us have more sales instead of doubting our business."

"I'm telling you the truth."

"I received my salary. I'll give you some money later," I told mom so she'll stop nagging me.

Austin arrived and told us that he was craving Chinese food.

"I stopped by the convenience store. Roman told me some guys went there for brownies, but there weren't any brownies at the counter,"

Julia gasped "OMG1 I'm pretty sure it was the colin guy, and I'm sure he went there for you, not because of the brownies."

"Stop assuming, Julia! It's not healthy," she pouted.

"I just want you to be happy," she said.

"But I am happy. I have you guys. You're enough," I said. " We'll get there soon, but not now." I smiled at her.

Austin suddenly put her arms on my shoulder, smirking again.

"Hey! Your arms are heavy," I complained.

"Why do want Cara to date? You do it first," Austin challenged her.

"I have a boyfriend," she admitted.

“WHO?”  Austin and I asked at the same time.