chapter five

"Do I know him?" I asked Julia

"Why aren't you saying a thing to us?" Austin asked her also.

"I'm sorry. I'm planning to tell you soon, but you caught me today," Julia said. "Let's have some lunch, and I'll tell you about him,"

No wonder she wants me to date.

We went to a Chinese restaurant inside the mall. Austin ordered for us at the counter.

"Tell me now, who's the guy?" I asked her,

"Let's wait for Austin," she laughed.

When Austin arrived with our food, he asked Julia who the guy was.

"Austin, I'm sorry if I didn't tell you sooner, but I want you to promise not to be mad at me. Okay?" Julia asked him.

"Geez, now I'm sure I know the person. Fine, I won't get mad. Tell me now who the guy is,"

I was listening to them, waiting for Julia to say the name. I asked myself why I didn't notice anything that she was dating.

She was so sneaky.

Julia should prepare a lot of explanations.

"It was Dylan," she said.

"What? Dylan? How did you two meet?" he asked again.

"At school," Julia said, smiling.

"Dylan is like a brother to me. Why didn't you tell us sooner," he asked, "He's nice. I wouldn't get mad if it were Dylan, but I would be disappointed with you if it was one of my friends in the neighborhood. You know they don't take relationships seriously."

"I don't remember any Dylan from your friends," I said.

"He was from the engineering department," Julia said.

"So, how long have you been together?" I asked her again.

"Not that long, We're in a relationship for a month now," she admitted.

"Why don't you text him today and let him join us," Austin said.

"He's busy,"

I had a message from Roman telling me that two girls went there looking for a brownie. So, I asked Julia if we could bake today.

"Can we bake today? So, we can sell brownies for tomorrow," I asked her.

"I would love to bake right now. My mom was probably making cinnamon rolls again today," She said.

"I brought my camera. I can take pictures for our websites,"

We went to Julia's place so we could bake for tomorrow. I'm glad some of the customers yesterday liked the brownies.

Julia and I prepared the ingredients and started mixing the ingredients while Austin was busy taking photos.

"I baked cinnamon rolls, don't forget to eat before you leave. Okay?" Julia's mom reminds us. "Julia, you're dad was craving banana bread. Why don't you make him?" she told Julia.

"Okay. I'll make it with Julia." she said to her mom, "Austin, you're done taking pictures. Why don't you mash the bananas."

I saw Austin laughing while looking at his phone. Julia took his phone because he was not listening to her.

"Omg!" Julia was shocked. I wonder what she saw on his phone.

"Hey, give it back," Austin told her.

"Cara, do you have something to tell me?" She asked me, hands in her hips.

"Huh? Why? I don't have any secrets from you," I frowned at her.

She showed me Austin's phone.

I was startled to see our photos from last night from the guy who took pictures of us.

"Did he post it on social media?" I asked Austin.

"No. The guy sent it to me in messenger," he said, smiling at me.

I saw Julia waiting for my answer.

"It's nothing. We went to a cafe last night after work then a guy took a photo of us. I know we looked like a couple in those pictures, and you know we"re not," I explained.

"I loved the pictures. You two looked like a real couple,"

I looked at the photos on Austin's phone, and it was good."

We continued baking banana bread while the brownies were in the oven.

Austin is now on our website, making a menu and posting pictures of our brownies.

I went home after baking and left the brownies at Julia's place. She told me she would bring it tomorrow to the store.

My parents were in the living room when I arrived. I noticed some furniture was missing.

"Where's our refrigerator?" I asked them.

"We sold it and some furniture too," mom said while she was busy crocheting.

"Why?" I asked her.

"So we could have money for your dad's therapy," I sighed.

I took out my wallet and gave her some money from my salary.

"Thank you,  Cara. We'll use this for our expenses in this house,"

I nodded, "Cara!" I look upstairs to see Carlon.

"Why are you shouting?" I asked him.

"My classmates saw you at the convenience store," he said.

"Okay, and then?"

"They told me they bought brownies and have asked me if you were the one who makes those because they would like to order,"

"Really? Tell them to order on our websites," I immediately texted Julia to check on our websites later.

I felt weak when my mom told me that they sold some of our furniture, but when carlon said his classmates wanted to order, I felt motivated to continue this business.

Julia suddenly called me.

"Cara, someone ordered two dozen brownies on our website," She was so happy. I can hear it from her voice.

"That was one of the girls from the convenience store the other day," I said.

"Really? Wow. I think we can give them the brownies we made for today, and I'll bake again so that you can sell individual packs at your work tomorrow. What do you think?" She asked.

"Yes, we could do that. I can ask carlon to pick up the brownies there and deliver them to the customer,"

"Okay, Cara. Thank you. Caia Bakes will be big," I laughed at what she said.

"I can go there and help you bake," I told her on the phone.

"It's okay. I can do it. I'm motivated to bake more," Julia laughed.

I went to Carlon's room and asked a favor for him. He agreed to deliver the brownies because I've given him an allowance since I received my salary today.

I was on a video chat with Austin and Julia.

"Why don't we send some cookies or brownies to influencers near us?" Austin suggested, "so when they like it, they can promote us on their social media."

"Yes. That's a great idea. I can also post photos of our product on my social media. Maybe some people get interested and inquire to us," Julia added.

"About the delivery?" I asked.

"I can do it," Austin said. "I can borrow my dad's motorcycle. I guess he won't mind me using it when it's for the business,"

"By the way, I heard some of our classmates talking about us," Julia said. "I was at the grocery with my mom when I saw them. They were talking about how ambitious we were, as our business will never grow because there are a lot more famous bakeries in town,"

"Don't mind them, just let them say whatever they want. Don't get unmotivated just because of that," Austin reminded us.

"I'll improve our websites. I'll make it more eye-catching and easy to place an order.

"Let's make a menu," I said.

"Can I go there at your place tomorrow, cara?" Julia said.

"Sure. Let us talk more about the menu tomorrow." I said,

"Can I come too?" Austin said, smiling at us.

"Of course. I'll introduce you guys to my parents," I said.

"Austin, why are you smiling like crazy? Cara will introduce us as her friends. What are you thinking?" Julia chuckled.

"What? No- I imagine some things. Sorry for laughing too much. I can't help it. " He said, laughing.

I shake my head, laughing too. Does Austin like me? I noticed little things too, but I don't put malice on that. I shrugged it off my mind, and Austin's not my type.

I like a blue-eyed man, and he has brown eyes.

I love someone who sings, and he loves sports.

Colin, who I saw in the convenience store, was my type. I don't know if he sings, but he caught my attention.

But there's one thing I like about Austin. He respects women and is very protective of us.

I cleaned our living room since Austin and Julia will be here tomorrow.

"Who's coming?" Mom asked me.

"My friends will be here tomorrow. We will be doing something for the business," I said while mopping the floor.

While I was busy cleaning the mess in the living room, Carlon sat on the sofa, smiling while texting on his phone.

"Who are you texting?" I asked him.

"It was Sarah," he said.

"Who's Sarah?" I asked him. I have a bad feeling about this.

"Cara, is it okay if I date someone?" He asked.

"You're still young," I told him. "Focus on your studies,"

"But do you know why I have good grades?"

"Why?" I looked at him.

"I have a group of friends. We studied every day after class, and one of them was Sarah. She's pretty," he said.

"You sound so in love," I laughed at him.

"Is this love?" He asked. It's the first time we're having a conversation like this, and I couldn't stop myself from laughing.

"I don't know. I'm not in love," I told him.

"But you had a boyfriend before, am I right?"

"Yes, but that was a long time ago that I forgot what it feels to be in love," I said while wiping the table.

"I'll ask Austin what it feels like to be in love." He said, smirking.

"Why him? Is he in love?" I laughed.

"Maybe. 'l'll go to the basketball court maybe he's there," he said and left me.

I was laughing by myself, thinking what would be Austin's reaction when carlon asked him.

DINNER

"Mom, enrollment for the second sem is going to start tomorrow," I told her, While we were eating.

"I don't have the money yet, cara. I still need to pay for the bills," she said.

"It's okay. I still have a week," I smiled at mom and continued eating.

"When will I start the therapy?" Dad asked us.

"We're still looking for a way to earn money for your therapy," I smiled at him.

"Make it quick. I want to walk as soon as possible. I don't want to lay in bed all day," he said. His tone is quite annoyed. I looked at my mom, and she told me not to mind him.

I understand my father, who would want to lay in bed all day when he was used to being so productive all day.

I am saving half of the income from the brownies I sell in the convenience store for dad's therapy. I know it's not a lot of money, but It will still help us. Julia's mom told me that their batchmates from high school want to help us pay for the therapy my dad needs. I let her talk to my mom regarding that.

Whenever I think about our financial problems, I feel stressed and pressured. I don't know if what I am doing is correct.

Sometimes I don't want to sleep so I can work all day. My grades last semester weren't like before. They dropped.

Julia didn't let me prepare a snack for them. She told me she bought chips and soda.

My parents were in the garage when I opened the gate for them.

"Mom, this is Austin and Julia,"

"Are you a couple? You look cute together," Mom said to them. They laughed and told my mom that they were not a couple.

"I remember you," dad said, looking at Austin. "It's nice to see you again."

We went inside the house to prepare a menu.

"fudgy brownies, chocolate chips cookies, oatmeal cookies, peanut butter cookies, butter cookies, banana bread, and moist chocolate," I said.

"Mom said we should add cinnamon rolls," Julia said.

"But we don't know how to make them," Austin said.

"Mom said she's willing to bake for us," she said, smiling.

"Really? That's great,"

Carlon went out of his room and saw Austin.

"The lover boy," Austin said while looking at Carlon.

I laughed at what he said as I remembered what we talked about yesterday.

Carlon looked at the photos from Austin's camera.

"I wanted to learn how to take pictures like this," He said.

"I can teach you anytime," Austin replied.

"Carlon? Why did your classmate Sarah order two dozen brownies yesterday?" Julia asked him.

"It's for her niece's birthday,"

"I hope she liked the brownies," she said.

"Everyone likes it. Sarah told me a couple of visitors asked her where she bought it," I was amazed by it.

"Thanks to you, Austin! If you didn't tell them to buy the brownies from the convenience store, we wouldn't have sales yesterday." I complimented him.

He smiled at me. What's wrong with this guy? He's quiet and just smiled at us.

"I am willing to help you deliver your products to your customers," carlon said while eating some chips.

"Really? Thanks, Carlon!" Julia said.

We spent the morning here in our house. We planned and designed the websites.

Carlon and Austin were having their world, while Julia and I were busy the whole time planning.

After lunch, I went to the convenience store with my brownies to start working for today.

"Good afternoon, Roman!" I greeted him.

"Good afternoon, cara. Many people were looking for your brownies yesterday," he said.

"Julia baked this yesterday," I said as I put the tray in front of the counter.

I was standing at the counter when two guys entered. I quickly turned my back to them as I recognized them.

It was the colin guy again.

"I'll buy five brownies," someone said. I turned around to face the customer.

I smiled at him and acted like I didn't remember him.

"It's delicious. Can I order a dozen of this for next week?" He asked.

"Really? You can place an order on our website Caia Bakes. Don't worry. It's easy to place an order on our websites, and we can deliver it at your place." I said. I'm so happy someone will order again.

"Will you be the one to deliver it?" the other guy asked. Colin kicked him lightly.

"I don't know yet who will deliver," I told them, trying not to smile. Gosh, so handsome.

"Thank you," I looked at Colin

"What?" I asked.

"You said he's handsome," the other guy said, smirking at colin.

Did I say my thoughts out loud? I want to disappear, omg! another embarrassing moment in front of him.

"You're turning red again," Colin said.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say that," I said, biting my lips. It's getting hot in here.

"It's okay," he laughed. "I'm Colin, and you are?"

"I'm Cara."

"Nice to meet you, cara. We'll go ahead."

He was smiling when he went out of the store, and he even introduced himself and asked my name. I was smiling too much right now, but still, I'm shy because I embarrassed myself in front of him again, but I think it's okay, right? He's good-looking.

"Are you okay?" Roman asked me.

"Yes. Why? I'm fine," I smiled at him.

"Your face is turning red," He said. "Did you put too much blush on, or you're naturally blushing right now?"

"Is it because of the two guys who just left?" he said, teasing me.

"Only the one guy," I said, blushing again.

"The blue-eyed guy? He looks like an actor," Roman said.

"Do you think he's an actor?" I asked him curiously.

"I don't know. It's my guess. Actors usually looked just like him,"

Now I was wondering if he's an actor or what. I'm curious.

I spent the rest of my day smiling like an idiot. I have a crush now, and it's a nice feeling.

We were closing the store when a car honked. I look around to see Julia waving her hand.

"You can go home now. I'll take care of this," Roman said.

I ran into her.

"Hey!" I greeted her.

"How're the brownies?" she asked.

"I have five brownies left," I said and showed her the tray. I also gave her half of my sales yesterday and today. The other half was mine. I'm saving it for my dad's therapy.

"Get in! Let's go to the place where you and Austin went. He was waiting for us there," she said and started the car.

"What are we going to do there?"

"We'll eat. Dylan was there too," she smiles. "You seem to be in a good mood also. What happened in the store?"

"Someone one bought five brownies to me," I said, hiding my smiles.

Julia looked at me suspiciously.

"Oh! I know who it is," she said. "He came back for you, not the brownies," she said.

"I don't think so," I said. I don't want to assume.

When we arrived at the cafe. I found Austin and Dylan looking at the laptop.

"What's that?" I looked at what they were looking for.

Shoes.

Why do boys love shoes?

I borrowed the laptop to check our websites.

I saw two orders so, I checked who ordered.

[Colin Corbyn]

[Luke Pierce]

Julia noticed I was smiling, so he took the laptop to see what I was smiling about.

"He talks to you?" she gasped.

"I told him to order through our websites," I said. "That's it."

"Give me your phone let's search it on your social media,"

I took my phone out of my bag and opened my social media. I searched his name, and one person appeared on my search bar. I clicked it and viewed his profile.

"He's a model," Julia squealed.

"What are you doing?" Dylan asked Julia.

"Oh, don't worry, babe! We were just looking at the profile of Cara's crush," she said and pushed me.

"May I see?" Austin asked.

"Look." Julia showed colin's picture. Austin looked at it then he went back to what he was doing with Dylan.

We stopped looking at Colin's profile and ordered some snacks.

"Double date!" Julia excitedly said.

I frowned, and Austin acted like he didn't hear a thing.

"This is not a double date. Austin and I were like third and fourth wheeling on both of you." I said, smiling.

"What's wrong with you?" I said as I slapped Austin's arms.

"What? I'm fine," He said. Coldly.

I looked at Dylan and Julia, who were so sweet in front of me. I rolled my eyes at them and looked at the side of the cafe. I saw a tall, blue-eyed guy holding a guitar and looking at me too. He noticed that I was staring at him, so he smiled. I smiled back and decided not to look at their side. I was still embarrassed that I told him he was handsome.

Austin noticed I was not looking at the other side. He touched my hand to ask me what was wrong, but I immediately removed his hand. He may think I'm kind of weird today because before I let him put his arms on my shoulder, grab my hand, hug me in the side.

"What's wrong with you?" He asked, annoyed.

"Nothing. I'm okay," I smiled at Austin.

He keeps his distance from me now.

I know Colin might see him hold my hand and think Austin was my boyfriend. I don't want him to have that idea. Oh my gosh! Saying this right now looks like I'm assuming he might like me.

Julia has her own world with Dylan and didn't notice the annoyed Austin beside me. He continued what he was doing on his laptop while I was busy on my phone scrolling through my social media.

two friend request

[Luke Pierce wants to be your friend]

[Colin Corbyn wants to be your friend]

I was shocked to see this notification. I looked at the other side and saw the other guy, who might be luke pierce, waving his hand at me.

Where did they find my name? Oh! I remember our name was on the website as the baker.

I looked at my watch. It's almost one in the morning. Dad might be worried about why I'm not at home yet.

"Julia," I called her. She looked at me, "I'm going home. It's late. Dad might be worried."

"Oh! Okay, but Dylan and I will be going to his friends after this." She looked at Austin, "can you bring cara home?" she asked.

I didn't let him answer Julia. "It's okay. I can go home alone." I stood up, "Don't worry, Julia." I said and then walked to the gate of the cafe.

I was about to open the gate when someone called my name. I thought it was Austin.

"Colin?"

"Hi! Are you going home?" He asked me. His outfit tonight makes him more handsome, and he smells so good.

"Yes. It's getting late," I said. Colin nodded, so I bowed my head to say goodbye.

I was outside the cafe and decided to walk. The cafe shop is just three streets away from home. It's still kind of far to walk, but it's okay.

"Is your home near the cafe?" someone asked, and I found colin walking beside me.

"Hi! Three streets away from here. It's kind of far to walk. Where are you going?" I asked him.

"I'll walk you home."

"CARA!" someone shouted. It was Austin. He was on his motorcycle and went to us, "CARLON CALLED. YOUR DAD WAS FUMING MAD RIGHT NOW! YOU NEED TO HURRY, I'LL TAKE YOU HOME."

I suddenly get nervous.

"Colin, I'm sorry. I need to hurry. Goodnight!"

He nodded and smiled at me.

My heart was beating so fast when I got home. I don't like it when Dad is mad with me, but when I opened the door in our house, I found my parents snoring, and the lights were closed.

WHAT THE HELL  WAS THAT AUSTIN! MY MOMENT WITH COLIN WAS RUINED!