Noel chuckled and shook her head. She knew that Isabella loved to sleep but she was determined to get her out of bed.
"Nope," she said firmly.
"We're going sightseeing whether you like it or not."
Isabella groaned again but reluctantly sat up in bed.
Isabella slowly got out of bed, her hair messy and sticking up in all directions. She was still half-asleep and her eyes were heavy with fatigue.
"This better be worth it," she mumbled as she grabbed her jacket off the chair.
Noel sighed and rolled her eyes.
"Yes it will be worth it trust me."
Isabella pulled on her jacket and ran a hand through her hair, trying to smooth it down. She still looked half-asleep and grumpy.
"Fine," she said in a resigned tone.
"But if I fall asleep on the way there, don't say I didn't warn you."
Noel laughed at her comment she thought that Isabella is still cute even when she is angry. They walked the palace and Noel grabbed Isabella hand of course she was unable to pull her along since she wasn't light.
Isabella huffed in annoyance as Noel grabbed her hand and dragged her along. She tried to pull away, but Noel's grip was too strong.
"Can you let go of me?" she muttered through clenched teeth.
"Nope we are outside and we can stay up all night and have fun! Isabella you are so grumpy all the time just relax and be yourself I will fight anyone who dares make fun of your appearance!" Noel said as she clenched her fists.
Isabella looked at Noel with a mixture of annoyance and gratitude. She appreciated her friend's loyalty, but she didn't want anyone to get into trouble on her behalf.
"Thanks," she said quietly, "but I don't need you fighting for me. I can handle myself."
She took a deep breath and tried to relax her shoulders. She knew she had to focus on the competition, but it was hard when Noel was being so protective.
Both Isabella and Noel went sightseeing. Isabella walked inside a store and she found baby clothes a gentle smile appeared on her face quadruplets huh? Four little kids running the thought made her excited but also nervous. Noel noticed this, this is her first time seeing Isabella having a gentle expression on her face.
Isabella picked up a tiny onesie and held it in her hands. She ran her fingers over the soft fabric, imagining one of her babies wearing it.
Noel watched Isabella with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. She had never seen Isabella so soft and thoughtful before.
Isabella held the onesie close to her chest, lost in thought.
"Quadruplets…" she muttered quietly to herself.
Noel tilted her head curiously.
"Quadruplets?" she repeated.
Isabella looked shocked and she nodded her head. Noel eyes widen when she saw Isabella nod her head.
Noel was stunned. She couldn't believe what she had just heard.
"You're having quadruplets?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Isabella nodded again, looking down at the onesie still clutched in her hands.
"Holy shit that must be exciting! Isabella can I be a god aunt for your four little babies?" Noel asked she didn't care that Isabella was sixteen years old honestly this girl stronger then most people.
Isabella chuckled at Noel's comment. She knew the woman had a soft spot for children.
"Sure," she said with a small smile.
"You can be their god aunt."
Noel let out an excited squeal and clapped her hands together.
Isabella giggled softly as she placed the onesie back on the shelf. It's going to be hard to take care of them but I will do it no matter what.
Noel looked at Isabella, her expression softening. She could see the determination in her eyes and knew that she would do whatever it took to take care of her babies.
She placed a hand on Isabella's shoulder.
"You're going to be an amazing mother," she said quietly.
Isabella smiled gently at Noel.
"Thanks, I appreciate it," Isabella said softly.
Noel smiled back at her. She could see the vulnerability in Isabella's eyes, and she wanted to reassure her.
"You're strong," Noel said firmly.
"You've already been through so much, and you're still standing."
She gave Isabella's shoulder a gentle squeeze.
"Oh my look over there she is overweight and look at the scar on her left side she is so ugly."
Noel frowned at the rude comments that were thrown at Isabella but Isabella didn't care about it. When her family commented about her being ugly and disgusting it was much more hurtful since it was family but these are strangers.Noel clenched her fists, anger and indignation flaring up inside of her. She wanted to say something back to the people who were making fun of Isabella, but she knew that it would only make things worse.
Isabella looked at Noel with a small shake of her head. She was used to people saying mean things about her appearance. It didn't bother her as much anymore.
"Haha look at her, her funny walk she must be really ugly."
Isabella heard the snickering voices coming from outside her room. She recognized them as belonging to some of the other bakery masters who were staying at the palace for the competition.
She rolled her eyes and ignored their comments.
"She thinks she can hide behind those bags but we can see right through them, she's probably just trying to hide her ugliness."
Isabella slammed her hand on the table which had baby girl clothes actually Isabella didn't know weather she is having boys or girls of mix of girls and boys.
"If I had time to make comments about someone weight I would put that focus on the competition after all the princess doesn't have to taste my pastries to know I am a genius," Isabella said. Noel covered her mouth she wanted to laugh oh Isabella so you can also talk back that's so funny she can stand up for herself she doesn't need anyone else to stand up for her.
The other bakery masters fell silent as Isabella spoke. They hadn't expected her to respond so confidently.
Noel couldn't help but feel impressed by how bold Isabella was being. She knew that she had a sharp tongue and wasn't afraid to use it when necessary.
"What did a cat bite your tongue?" Isabella as she smirked.
The other bakery masters looked at each other in surprise. They were not used to being spoken to like that, especially by someone they considered beneath them.
Noel chuckled silently, amused by Isabella's audacity.
"Young girl do you know who I am?" A man who is about the same age as Noel asked Isabella. Noel was actually 100 years old but she looked like she was thirty years old she was beautiful. The man was 120 years old so he glared at Isabella who didn't back down.
"No I don't who you are who are you?" Isabella asked
The man's expression darkened at Isabella's response. He wasn't used to being treated with such disrespect, especially by someone so young and inexperienced.
"I am Master Jean-Pierre, one of the most respected pastry chefs in all of Europe," he said coldly.
"And you think you are better then me?" Isabella smirked.
Master Jean-Pierre scoffed, his ego clearly wounded by Isabella's question.
"Of course I am," he said arrogantly.
"I have decades of experience and countless awards to my name. You are nothing but a child who barely knows how to bake."
"But sir I am the only sixteen year old in this competition if anything it showed that I am far more talented I might be young but I am not a fool," Isabella said her voice was calm but the tone showed that she honestly respected Jean Pierre.
Master Jean-Pierre's expression softened slightly. He could see that Isabella was more than just a cocky young girl.
"Perhaps you have some talent," he conceded.
"But age and experience matter in this competition. I have seen countless prodigies come and go. They all burn out quickly."
"Sir I understand where you are coming from but everyone has their own unique talent perhaps I am destined for something bigger maybe not just baking perhaps medicine or engineering. Who knows but I can tell you this Master Jean that I will win this competition it's not my arrogance talking it's my pure talent," Isabella said.
Master Jean-Pierre raised an eyebrow, impressed by Isabella's confidence and determination. He could see that she was not just another cocky young girl, but someone with real potential.
"You have spirit," he said grudgingly.
"But talent alone will not win you this competition. You need skill, precision, and a touch of magic."
"Don't worry my dessert have the goddess touch I might not be beautiful but my desserts are extremely beautiful," Isabella said she then walked out of the door of the shop she sighed she looked at the sky she must win that money so she can leave the country no matter what.
Noel followed closely behind Isabella, a small frown on her face. She knew that winning the competition was important for Isabella, but she couldn't shake off a feeling of unease.
They continued walking through the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. But all the while, Noel couldn't help but wonder if there was more to Isabella's determination than just winning money.