Festivals remind you of how lonely you are.....
My winter break was going well. I finally was able to get over 4th December's night. I set my goals straight and focused on my studies. I had to perform well in my final exams and also in the University Entrance exam to enter the future I wished since a very long time. I had NO OTHER CHOICE!!
"Ash can you please come down and help me set the dinner table at least!!", mom called me irritably.
I am not into cooking. Even though I would have to cook for myself once I get into university I'm still not convinced that I should learn cooking. Mom got no help from me in preparing Christmas dinner. And now she is agitated with me.
"Hello Mrs. Miller, Merry Christmas!!", Paul wished my Mom. He was invited for dinner today. He lives here in Detroit, Michigan while his parents live in Singapore. He lives here by himself at his university campus and so to not make him miss his parents, he has festival dinners at our place.
"Merry Christmas Paul!! Finally I have someone to help me. You girlfriend is such a bookworm. She has not come out of her room since afternoon and is not ready too. Please take her out of her room so that we all could feel Christmas is today..", Mom complained to Paul.
"Knock, Knock... May I come in Miss Miller?", Paul asked teasingly.
One thing good about Paul was that he accepts me for who I am. I was still in my pajamas, wearing glasses and face not washed since morning. Any other guy would run away if he sees me like this.
"This subject Maths is killing me now!!", I exclaimed in agitation. "I have been stuck at this problem since last one hour and am not able to solve it yet!!", I complained.
Paul smiled and then came to my study table to have a look at the question which was bothering me. He is great at Mathematics. If I become half as good as him in Maths, I might get a good night's sleep everyday coz this subject haunts me..
"You got the wrong equation Ash!! You see this is how this problem was to be solved...", Paul explained to me.
"Wow!! Our very own Maths Prodigy Paul Brown..", I teased him.
"Now if you would leave your books for some time, can we celebrate Christmas? Get ready Ash!! We are waiting for you downstairs.", Paul requested.
Paul went down to help Mom and I finally got up from my chair, yawned and stretched my body which was quite stiff after sitting for almost 5 hours. I got changed and went down for dinner.
"This is a feast!!", I exclaimed with joy.
There was decorations, Mom prepared roasted turkey and potatoes. There was wine glasses and my favorite Christmas pudding.
"Wow Mom your pudding tastes so good. How is it that every year it has the same taste?, I said.
"When you run a bakery and have to prepare puddings all year long, you ought to be consistent in taste. People come back to you only because of the taste you provide.", she replied.
"True!! Mrs. Miller is the best baker in our city!!", Paul complimented Mom.
My mom runs a bakery here with the name, "Grace's Bakery". She loves what she does and this makes me happy.
After the dinner was done me and Paul were doing the dishes when he suddenly said, " Next year on Christmas you'll be in Princeton. I hope you get to come home." I felt sadness in his voice. "I will come for sure. Which university doesn't give winter breaks?", I joked to lighten the mood. It was because I too was nervous. For someone who has never left her home since last 17 years, it was a challenge.
...NEXT DAY AT BAKERY...
My mom had a huge order today. She had to prepare a 3 tier wedding cake and cupcakes and pastries for 100 guests. She asked for me and Lilly for help and so we were at the Bakery.
"Your mom's Bakery store is so cute. I love the interior and the smell of freshly baked items.", Lilly said while packing the cupcake.
"I know. Now a days you have to focus on the interiors and overall look of your stores otherwise customers don't get attracted.", I replied.
We were both busy in packing the cupcakes when suddenly the door opened and someone entered. I smelled a familiar perfume and looked up to see the person when to my surprise it was... HIM!!