Chapter 2

Isabella POV 

I'm making my way to Nancy's House of Bakery on foot. The proprietor, Nancy, bakes an excellent apple pie. Although I adore apple pie, cake is my very favourite dessert (yes, I am aware that's also my name). Nancy also makes a really tasty cake. Nearly as good as mom's, but not quite. 

My dearest friend and mother are Nancy. Nancy took me under her wing after my mother passed away. She informed me she had grandchildren that are about my age, and she is in her 60s. I suppose she considered me to be one of her grandkids. She often inquires about how things in my life are doing. She's cranky sometimes, yet I still feel loved. I adore Nancy dearly. She is among the most kind individuals on the planet!

I unlocked the entrance of Nancy's House of Bakery. Now that I can smell the lovely scents, my mouth is starting to thirst. 

"Hi, Nancy!"

"Isabella!" Nancy walks up to embrace me. She gives hugs. "You look happy today!"

Nancy could be my age, but her posture remains straight and she is in the best health possible. Although she has grey hair, her skin is just as smooth-if not smoother-than mine, I suppose.

I say, sparkling, "I am happy." I take her hands in mine. "I have news for you."

"What is it?" She is curious. 

"I'm getting promoted," I stutter. 

"Oh, my star!" She gives me another embrace. "I'm so happy for you! "Congratulations, my love!" she exclaims joyfully.

"Thank you..." And all of a sudden, I understood.

"What is it?" Nancy queries me. She's too familiar with me. I don't believe I have anything to conceal from her. 

I bite my lip and add, "I... I got a promotion in LA... I will move to LA in a month."

"So?"

"Well, I can't see you as much as I would want to anymore. I miss your bakery and you." I make an effort not to cry. Since my mother passed away, I have become close to Nancy. 

Nancy gives me another embrace. "Child, don't worry. I'll be alright. I travel to Los Angeles frequently; we can still meet up there or you may come visit me here."

"Will you promise to get in touch with me when you visit LA? Please set aside some time for me," I ask her in a childlike manner.

She comments, "Of course, Izzy," and strokes my hair. "And you, you promise me you will take good care of yourself in LA and promise me you will call me if anything happens to you," Motherly adds to me. My eyes are filled with tears.

Nancy blots my cheeks off the tears. I give her a strong hug and breathe in her scent-that of new soap-that reminds me of a mother. Whispering, "I'll miss you, Nancy,"

"I agree, my dear. But we can be reached via phone. Alright?" she asks quietly.

Abruptly, the doorbell rings, alerting us to a client inside the bakery. 

Weeping, I say, "Welcome to Nancy's House of Bakery." I go about my everyday business like this. Work at Remington Printing before stopping by Nancy's House of Bakery to provide a hand.

Nancy once requested a salary from me, but I turned her down. I can have any cake or bread I choose in its place. Of course, she frequently prepares unique meals, particularly for me. I believe I will also miss her unique recipe. 

And my employer Denise (shortly to be my ex-boss) is the new customer. 

"Hi, Den!" It doesn't surprise me. Nancy is the customer of several Remington Printing employees. Nancy's House of Bakery is a hit with everybody.

"Hi, Izzy!" Denise says as he approaches the fridge. Cheesecake is his favourite food. And Denise exclusively purchases that item from this store.

That was my first week at Remington Printing. I should go here and get everything that's left in the store, Denise asked me. He paid back every charge, gave me some of the bread and cake, and gave the other employees some as well. He was unaware of my friendship with Nancy. He never asked me again when he found out. 

I'm curious as to why, but I doubt Denise would elaborate. 

"Your little daughter is going to L.A. Nancy, what are your thoughts?" I come out of my flashback when I hear Dad's voice. 

Nancy replies with pride, "I'm sure she will shine in LA as well." 

"I'm sure," Denise says with a smile. When his phone rings, he makes an excuse to answer it. 

As I place Denise's cheesecake in the box, Nancy and I have a conversation. Denise reappears, grinning glumly. "Izzy, how long does it take for you to move to LA?"

I flinch. To be honest, I haven't considered what to do at this time. Sarah just gave me a call. She said that because she is already eight months pregnant, her doctor advised her not to work too much. The infant must be kept until the ninth month. The most delicate months are the seventh and eighth. I recall that Sophia had to stay bedridden for the entirety of her pregnancy when she was eight months along

with George due to haemorrhage."