Bittersweet (English)

CHAPTER 6

“Hey! You’re early today.” 

Jenny came in the kitchen surprised when she saw Kaye working. She didn’t know anyone would be inside the shop this time around. The front door was still locked and the blinds were closed. Only the kitchen light was on.

“You scared me. I barely hear anything cause my heart was pounding loudly,” Jenny pressed her palm to her chest. She lowered her head in relief.

“Good morning, Jen.” Kaye greeted her with an energetic smile.“Geraldine delivered my orders today so I came in early to receive.” 

Kaye was stacking and labeling boxes of dairy and other supplies when Jenny came in. The sun just rose but Kaye was already breaking a sweat.

“What? You never told me. I could've helped you,” Jenny grunted in annoyance. She never saw her put a request.

Eversince Kaye started working again in the shop she worked diligently. She was glad Kaye finally stepped out of her home but, she was so engrossed in her job that she barely leaves the kitchen. 

Not that it was a problem. Sometimes it's just too much.

Seriously, this woman. Jenny scratched her head. She didn’t want to tell Kaye what to do. She understood all those mixed emotions overtaking and Kaye was taking little steps forward. So as much as possible, she didn't want to distract her. It would only reopen the healing wounds.

But looking at Kaye now, she was at ease. She had the similar look on Macy’s eyes whenever she was whip something up. Her eyes were even brighter than last time.  She couldn’t help but smile at her eager look. Just like when they were younger.

“Nah, you’re fine.” Kaye waved her hand. “Anyway, I was flowing with thoughts so I went early.”

“For real?” Jenny tsked in disbelief.  She was about to move out when something popped in her head. “Is it okay to leave Miko at home by himself?”

Kaye nodded. Fortunately, he has been in pretty good condition for a while now that they went every day for a stroll. 

“He’s totally fine. He managed to chase birds. And Martin said his injuries weren’t serious. Thank heavens.”

Kaye’s meeting with Martin lessened her loneliness. He would have been a great father. It was a shame he decided to remain single. Ladies would have jumped on the opportunity once meeting that kind of man.

He was loving. She even remembered him giving her souvenirs every time he went out of town. She just prayed it wasn’t too late for him to find happiness.

Kaye would love to see him get self-conscious and timid around a lady. She giggled at the thought. He was a straight-laced man after all.

Plus, talking to Emily and Missy lightened up her spirits. Having a meal together and laughing the night out released her from anxiety. She was blessed with awesome people. So rather than moping at home, she wanted to move forward for their sake. 

Though Mykel was putting her thoughts in chaos. Thank goodness they haven’t bumped into each other since then. It would have been awkward. But well, that was a couple of weeks ago. Kaye thought she could look directly to his face now that she has calmed down.

“I see. Well, that sounds good.” Jenny nodded repeatedly. “I’ll leave you here on your cave to do your job then. Rest assured no one will disturb you.”

Kaye pouted. “You make it sound like I’m a shut-in.” 

Jenny squinted her eyes. “Don’t sulk. Weren’t you one until just a few weeks ago?” 

They laughed. Somehow, it was refreshing to have friends like this: joking around, supporting each other, and working side by side. And Kaye felt nostalgic every time she was in the cafe. This was Macy’s treasure after all. Every corner of the cafe was filled with memories of her.

Rather than being bitter about it, she was sincerely glad. It was like she was given solace by the people whom they considered close to their family. Facing them and talking to them discharged her from unnecessary thoughts. She was made aware of her importance in Macy’s life all over again.

I love it. Not just because it's delicious, but because you made it with love for me.

That was the first time she made a dessert by herself. Up til now, that moment was still engraved in her. She remembered Macy was watching her proudly with content. 

So, with the newfound determination, she would pour her heart and soul into the cafe.

Jenny left Kaye and went to her office space. She has work to do, too. Scanning through the reports, they weren’t doing well during the last few months the least. The bad weather was one factor affecting the business. 

However, seeing even last summer which was the peak season, their sales weren’t as impressive compared to the previous years. Business sure was slow in a small town. But good news, the town was improving. So the cafe should also raise their flag early in the game.

She needed to think of a strategy that would make their shop famous even outside of town. One that would surely be remembered for a long time. 

Sad to say, their town doesn’t have any remarkable tourist destination so people weren't familiar of the place.  

Hmmm…

She was swimming in her thoughts for a while. She contemplated on the best steps to take. But soon her brain couldn’t handle the pressure and blanked.

“H*ck! Then, I’ll make our shop the tourist destination,” her resolve echoed all over the room.

She was fired up. She needed to research things to boost their shop’s reputation. It would be effective to let the mass know of the cafe’s existence first. 

“Hmmm…paid advertising, we don’t have money for that.” She crossed the idea. “Big investors, franchisor. Nah I don’t want that, neither will Kaye for sure.”

Jenny was on and on talking to herself with her present data. Well, everything looked like they needed to cash out expenses which she wouldn’t prefer to do. Considering the current budget since they just re-opened recently.

“Oh, publicity. Right! Social Media! How could I forget,” she snapped her fingers as she came to an understanding.

“We could widen our market with this for sure,” talking out loud, Jenny listed important notes for her marketing plan.

Ever since she was a little nugget she was curious as to why she was acquainted with almost every person in town. She didn’t realize it was such a small town because she was still a kid. She rarely seen new faces. The town seemed detached and had the world of its own. 

They have the necessities such as a pharmacy, hospital, and grocery stores. Not a single mall or establishments intended for leisure activities. Though they have a small shopping district. 

Even their school were only from kindergarten to senior high school. If you wished to further your education, then you must leave the town in pursuit of college degree. 

But most of the students rarely return. Another reason for the low population. They got charmed of city life. Can't blame them since this town hasn’t shown any promising qualities.

As for her, she never thought about leaving the town permanently. She experienced city life when she attended college. It was not for her though, to be honest. 

She hated overcrowded places. Bumping to people on a daily basis was irritating.  

And the pollution. The air? Urgh! It was disgusting. Sweat and other unpleasant smell filled her nose. Every. Single. Day. Especially on the train or bus. She was so sensitive that she could even detect the littlest difference. 

So it has been her goal to make their shop famous thus making their town known as well. 

This would put pressure on Kaye. It would even freak her out at some point. But what the h*ck! It was her shop that she’d be making famous. 

Kidding aside, Jenny has confidence in Kaye’s ability. Her amount of focus on the job has always been remarkable. She smirked after having recollections of Kaye feeding them in middle school.

‘Holy--- how many cakes did you make?’ Jenny thought it was a stupid question considering she had loads of it in a huge bag.

‘Hehehe. Aunt Macy said she loved it.’

That was the first time Kaye made sweets alone. She was overjoyed that she gave it to her close friends and teachers. But still, the number did intimidate them.

“Mykel ate a bunch though,” her sudden laughter echoed in the office.

If anyone could hear her right now, they might think she went crazy. 

“Oh damn.” Jenny wiped tears off the corner of her eyes. “If I remember right, he got stomachache after eating too much.”

Ahhh. That was funny. Jenny slumped back to her chair. Reminiscing the past also relived her dreams.

Her grandad was once a mayor in Mt. Salvador. He had so much dreams he wanted to achieve for the town. For generations, their family has been residing here. So it was inevitable for them to be attached to the place.

Sadly, her grandad never had the chance to pursue his plans. He died before he could even set those in motion. So in her little way, she wanted to contribute to the success of Mt. Salvador.

“Give me a little kick, grandad.”

Jenny smiled as she returned to her research. She mentally promised to herself and Macy that she would make this idea work.

Macy had always been her mentor. Too bad she didn’t have a talent like Kaye has. But she knew, with her managing role, she could make a difference.

Moreover, she was Kaye’s support. Not because she was the cafe manager, but before anything else, she was her best friend. So like her, she was aware of Kaye’s certainty on her abilities.

Growing up together made a great foundation in friendship and trust.