We were all tired, as the crackling fire warmed the room, Saya and Kira fell asleep on a sofa, close to the fireplace.
I couldn't sleep although I knew I was tired.
I was sitting outside, looking at the moon, my mind wondered off to Damion, was he okay?
Mr. Cirius sat next to me, I didn't know what to say even though I really liked Lady Morgana, I didn't know if he was pretending the whole time, everything we lived was fake.
"I wanted to tell you the truth however I got stuck in the character at some point I didn't know how to reveal it anymore, I guess this was for the best ." He told me, I guess in a way he was right.
"Does Damion know?" He looked away awkwardly. "I see." Maybe that's why he warned me to beware of Lady Morgana.
"It's not his fault..."
"It's okay I understand, we all have somethings we want to keep from the people we care about." I couldn't help but to feel guilty, since in certain way I wasn't any different from Mr. Cirius.
"Sometimes all you need is leap of fate, and trust the people you care about " Cirius tone was more nonchalant.
"Easy to say that, when you were already got caught."I said sarcasticly. "I wouldn't know where to begin, and even if I did no one would believe me."
Mr. Cirius didn't press on what I said he just laughed. "You should sleep, tomorrow is the second opening day for your cupcakes stall, and you will have to make more than you did the last time." He said " this time don't count for the old lady to appear to give you a hand."
I laughed. "Thank you once again for helping my family. You may not understand but you really have saved us." I bow again thanking him.
****
Next day, afternoon the family traveled the back to city market.
The aroma of freshly baked cupcakes filled the air as people gathered eagerly around the colorful stall in the bustling market.
Father, was setting up the stall for the second time, after debut success of the previous day, there was already a line forming before him.
Saya skillfully displayed the mouthwatering creations on the stall cart, the enticing smells and delectable sights attracted a crowd of hungry customers. Children with wide eyes and adults with grumbling stomachs eagerly waited their turn, excited to taste the renowned cupcakes that people couldn't stop talking about.
The family was all dressed in our apron, even Mother and Father, we greeted each customer with a warm smile. Kira engaged them in conversations while they were waiting for their turn, she was smart, she was already conducting a Markt research without even knowing, asking the clients about their favorite flavors and their expectations. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and the line grew longer as more people joined, drawn in by the exciting energy around the stall.
Among the crowd, there was, a young girl with curly hair and a twinkle in her eyes. I knew her from where we lived, she wanted to treat herself after a long day of hard work, however it appeared that her pocket money was not enough, for the delicious looking cupcakes. I couldn't help but to feel sorry for her, she looked like she was a few months or a year older than Zoe, but she already carried a lot of responsibilities, working, taking care of herself and family. Her sad face broke my heart.
I walked up to her, she looked troubled as she saw me getting closer, thinking that I would chase her away.
"Don't worry, I won't harm you." I said with a smile, my heart hurted thinking how the poor people were treat here.
"Do you want to try one? " I squat down, putting one of her curls behind her hear.
"No, I am fine. " She said dismissing me.
She was strong I could see.
"Well" I told her, " I am in need of help me, at end of the day I would give that person a cupcake and a fair payment." I really didn't need anyone I had all the extra hands that I needed, but I knew she was just not going to take it just like that, a free cupcake.
"I will help." She said happly.
"What's your name?" I asked her.
"I am Mary." She said, she was really cute.
I smiled at her and gave a her a paper flag. I told her what to do, she should smile and greet the costumers, saying is 'cupcake time'.
She reluctantly obliged, first she started out shyly but once Kira stood next to her and she saw Kira's enthusiasm, she took herself to match the same energy and enthusiasm.
After a little while we had sold out everything, all the 300 pieces, today we were selling 90 pins each, and we still sold out.
We cleaned up our stall and cart, and packed everything ready to go. I told Mary she could travel with us back since we lived close by.
Her sad little face was worrying me, I could sense there was something wrong.
"Big sister we sold everything again, we need to make much more for tomorrow," Zoe said very excited.
"Yes we did sold out, but there will be no cupcakes tomorrow, we have to make some changes, and we have to let them miss our cupcakes, a little bit, or we end up being old news quickly." I said, but they didn't seem to understand what I meant but they just take the information anyway and accepted.
"Mother how are you feeling?" Asked Saya in a low voice.
"I am feeling wonderful, my dear." Mother smiled so happy. She indeed looked incredible.
After a while we arrived at our house, father helped mother get down from the wagon.
Father took out the attached cart, and took it inside.
As we descended the wagon I turned to help Zoe and Zack come down.
Mary came down alone, as I turned to her she looked a little sad.
"Mary?" She looked up at me. Her eyes were filled with sadness and disappointment, I finally understood why, "I promised you something didn't I? Here is one silver coin." Her surprised face, kept looking confused and awkward.
"Why? " She asked confused. "This is way to much Miss. " She was trying to give it back.
"Because you help us, and with your help we manages to sell everything." I said with a smile, she smiled back, although it was a small one.
"About the cupcakes..."
"It's alright I have gained more than I deserved." She was impressively mature for her age.
"Well I did reserve something for you. " Her face suddenly light up, as she saw me taking some of a box. "Here take this. " I place the cupcake in her small little hand as I petted her head.
This would be her first time trying one, and the anticipation made her heart race with excitement. I could see , it felt like she was holding a treasure in her little hand.
As she took a delicate bite, a burst of strawberry jam filled her mouth, surprising delightness, could be seen in her cute face as she tried the cupcake.
"This is amazing." She couldn't help herself but to savour every little bit of it.
"So you liked huh? Well I made a few of those with jam filling, to see if people would like it."
"They are amazing Miss, they really are." Mary was very excited.
"I want to one too." Zack approach from behind in a timid voice.
"Alright I made a few for us to try so, here take one." I said while messing his hair, he was so delighted he didn't even cared.
Zoe's little hand was already extended awaiting for her piece as well.
Kira and Saya looked excited to try, but they trying to hold back their excitement. Just little kids. So cute.