. following only hope (andrew)

[TAYLOR DYLAN EVENSTEAN]

[atrb=border,0,true] It was a pretty normal boring day. It was filled with classes in the morning and work in the afternoon. Nothing special really. Of course Taylor had come into work this morning to cook up few breakfast type treats, before decorating a cake and then heading off for her class. Normally she didn't work mornings, but she had needed to blow off some steam and let out some creative spark, so she had slipped in and slipped out before anyone could notice. Not that is did a lot of help, the other people at the bakery knew her handy work. They knew the cake and few baked goods had been done by her, probably because of the designs on the cake. It had only been about an hour before her boss was texting her with comments about the handy work. People were always telling her she needed to be in art school instead of the local college, however Taylor didn't really have big dreams, just simple ones. She didn't care what she majored it or what she did, as long as it distracted her. Although her current situation was simple, school and work, she liked it. It wasn't as busy as high school, which sometimes causes a few issues, however she dealt with it. Working in the front of the bakery, Taylor was the only cashier this after noon. Her co-worker had called in sick, however it hadn't been an issue. It was a pretty slow day, probably due to the over looming clouds above, which were screaming ran. Taylor wouldn't mind rain, watching it slide down the front glass. In fact the thought of it sounded appealing and left her with the only hope that it might happen. Turning around, Taylor started to work on a to go order that had been called in. It was a tray with a little round cake in the middle with different types of cookies and pastries around it. It was clearly for a birthday party of some kind, due to the lettering that ready, happy sweet sixteen across the top. Taylor was jealous of these kinds of cakes, she had never had something like that growing up, instead was only tossed a card and told to stay in her room. At the sound of the bell above the door, Taylor was pulled from her short memories back to reality. Turning around she smiled she saw the familiar boy. He seemed to come in once a week and normally got the same thing or close to it. "The usual?" She asked as she started to change her gloves, getting the bag ready. "Take it you have a major sweet tooth for this place?" She asked as she glanced up at him, looking him over. "You go to the local college right? Not the art one, but the local one." She asked, still waiting to make sure he was getting his usual.

CREDIT TO JENNERS

[andrew abraham harper]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: transparent; border: #transparent solid 15px; width: 400px; padding: 10 5 10 10px;] baby you light up my world like nobody else today was a pretty busy day for andrew. running up and down between classes, had two essays for two different classes to finish that's due the next day and had couple errands in the end. for the remaining of the day, the boy wants to relax and breath for once. so what better way to do that than going to the bakery for some delicious dessert? that boy has a sweet tooth for that place and could you blame him? he hasn't eaten anything sweet in such a long time and always busy with school that he doesn't have the time to go. luckily, he made the time to go by at least once a week whenever he's not so busy with school and other stuff. today was one of those days. drew wonders if he should take the car or not. the sky look tobe gloomy and the forecast did said there's a slight chance of rain, so he didn't want. then again, he didn't want to waste gas just by going to the bakery and then go home since it's not that far away. he made a choice and decided to walk instead. it's better for him and better for his wallet since he's saving money for gas since the price were raise little higher this week. while walking to the bakery, drew felt some rain drops falling down on his head. he look up at the gloomy sky and notice it began to sprinkle a bit. the boy didn't mind though since little rain drops isn't going to hurt him, so he continued walking. then the rain began to fall little harder than before, so he pull his hoodie up and run the remaining trail from the bakery. he open the door, hitting the bell once he walked inside the building. the boy let out a sigh, putting his hoodie down and walk toward the counter while the water were dripping down his face. the boy was soak as his shoes made a squeak during each step. he look up at the door and nod his head slightly. yup. the usual please. he told her, looking at the different kind treats they had displacing behind the little glass window next to the counter. after hearing that little comment the girl made, he laugh softly and nod his head. he's actually surprise to hear that she remembers him. yeah. pretty much. i mean, i cannot resist your tasting desserts. you make them right? the soak boy asked, wondering if she's the one or maybe there's someone else who makes them. uh, yeah. i got to the local college. why? do you go to the local community college too? he asked the girl. she goes look little familiar and not only because he comes here every week. maybe he saw her during school or something. well, that depends if they go to the same school or not.

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[TAYLOR DYLAN EVENSTEAN]

[atrb=border,0,true] Finally, the rain finally started falling from the dark clouds that was holding it captive, hitting the window glass with a lightly thud. Taylor had, had her back toward the glass when it started, but had paused to look over her shoulder, smiling lightly at the falling water. She loved the rain. She had even been known to go dancing in it on her better days. Ones when she was in a good mood. Something about the cooling nature and the looming clouds, made her fond of it, when normally people didn't care for it. She also loved the thunder and lightning that came along with. Yes, she was a storm kind of girl. She didn't like black clouds or sunny days, but gray ones. Call her Eeyore. When the bell rang, Taylor tried to quickly finish up the platter she had been working on. She knew the women would arrive soon to pick it up, if that wasn't her now. Pulling off the gloves, she got a new pair as she turned around, seeing a soaked boy. He was one of the regulars and she knew what he would be wanting. Making her way to the glass cabinet, she tried not to laugh as his shoes squeaked during each step. Starting to get his normal, she couldn't help but make a small comment "Are you all 'squeaky clean now?" she was only teasing. However, she didn't really know the guy to be making such jokes and she hoped she didn't upset the stranger. Finishing putting the treats into the bag, she walked over to the register and started to ring him up "Oh well I only make some. Its not my bakery, I just work her part time. Trying to learn how to cook and let out some artistic design, along with a few other things." She didn't want to tell the man she didn't know, that the whole reason why she was here was to let out some frustration. He might not understand and just find her weird. Nodding as she leaned on the counter, done with ringing him up she nodded "Yea I go there too. I thought you looked familiar. I guess Iv seen you around there a few times." She commented before noticing how weird that might have sounded. Raising her hands up before he could get any ideas she shook her head "Not that I look for you or watch you or anything. I'm not a stalker. I promise." She said before covering her face for a moment and then going to read his total. "Four ninety two." She read quickly, trying to make up for the foolish comments she had just got done making. Where was her head today?

CREDIT TO JENNERS

[andrew abraham harper]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: transparent; border: #transparent solid 15px; width: 400px; padding: 10 5 10 10px;] baby you light up my world like nobody else andrew enjoys the rain, especially running outside and jumping onto the puddles like when he was a little kid. he doesn't know why, but it wasn't seem to calm him down. ever since he was a kid, he would sit next to the window and stare at the rain coming down, always put a smile on the boy's face. running outside in the rain is a bonus. sadly, today wasn't his lucky day. the boy was late to his nine thirty o'clock class this morning and had a surprise pop quiz which he didn't study because he thought the quiz was the next day and he was gonna spend an entire day studying. now, while walking to the bakery, the rain decided to come down. looks like someone is going to catch a cold tomorrow morning when he wakes up. what else could go wrong today? after walking in the building and walking toward the counter with his shoes making a squeak on each step the boy took. looking at the girl standing behind the counter and made a little joke about his wet shoes. the boy couldn't help, but let out a small laugh. he didn't mind the little joke comment the baker said. instead of saying anything, he just nod his head as a yes, answering her question. ohh. that's good and are you enjoying it so far? the whole learning how to cook and such. i need to try your desserts one day. the young boy said, sliding his hands inside the pockets from his wet sweater. he's not much of a fan of talking, especially during his sweet tooth hour but he doesn't mind starting a nice little conversation. so, she does go to the same school. he knew she looked familiar from somewhere. he look over at the girl, listening to what she was telling him and notice her covering her face which made him laugh. it's fine. i know what you meant and yeah, i've seen you around school too. i think we have a class together. i'm not quite sure. he said, not sure. he has seen her around between classes and during the hallways and probably in one of his classes, but isn't too sure about it. feeling little bad that they decided to talk to each other now. the boy doesn't have a good memory. listening to his total, drew took his wallet out from his back pocket and took out a five dollar bill. he gave the girl the cash and said, keep the change. the boy figured to let the girl keep the rest since it's just going to be laying around somewhere on top of his dresser. besides, what was he going to do with eight cents?

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[TAYLOR DYLAN EVENSTEAN]

[atrb=border,0,true] Rain, how it brought simple things like puddles and chilly, cloudy days. It was the way the brunet girl liked it. As a kid it meant yellow rain boots and a rainbow colored umbrella, well when she was really young. After that, it just seemed to match her mood. Loosing her family due to her mothers lies, it was kind of the same thing. The drops of the rain could be compared to the drops of water from her eyes. Lord knows she had cried enough in her life time to form as many puddles as a large rain storm. However, the girl refused to be that way any more, which often left her a big hard and tough. She wasn't the kind of person who liked to get close to others, which kind of made her socially awkward. She didn't like to go up to people or even meet new people. She had lost contact with her friends, not that she had, had many, and soon became that girl who could be known as the bitch. She didn't mind it really. She had grown rather use to it. It was who she was and who she had formed herself to be to protect herself from the hurt and lies of the world. Yes, many saw it as a weakness in her, however she was a strong girl, very stubborn. She could be nice, sweet even, after all, before her mother broke her, everyone called her an angel, which she was. If only the same could be said now. It was silly to think of such things now, useless really. She was happy that the familiar face had broken the awful memories with the clang of the bell and the squish of his feet. She was even more relieved when she noticed the man hadn't been offended by her comment. Instead he had nodded to her as she continued to bad his food, before starting to punch the order into the register. "I like it. It keeps me busy and it pays, granted not much, however it does the job if you know what I mean. Plus the learning how to bake is good. I'm sure Ill make some man very happy one day. At least this will be one nice quality I can muster up, if not the only one." She commented, trailing off there in the middle, getting quieter and quieter, talking more to herself than the man before her. She wasn't sure if he could hear her or not, however she hoped he couldn't. She didn't need him hearing all of that. "Oh I thought it was you. I'm not sure if we have a class together or not, I often spend my time plotting a way out or a way to pass the class by the skin of my teeth, I don't hardly pay attention to who all is in it. However I'm sure we will both know in a couple of days." Smiling she passed the man his bag as he passed over the money "Oh thank you." She commented as she tossed the few pennys and nickle into the side of the register. She would use it to help someone make exact change later if need be. Then closing up the register she leaned against the counter, still watching the boy. "So are you going to head back out into the storm or would you like to eat here. I'm not much company, but I could try and entertain you till the rain passes. That or I can just keep quiet." She said shrugging, realizing that a lot of people who came to places like this like the quiet and didn't care for the small chit chat.

CREDIT TO JENNERS

[andrew abraham harper]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: transparent; border: #transparent solid 15px; width: 400px; padding: 10 5 10 10px;] baby you light up my world like nobody else he loves the rain. just seeing every raindrop fall, puts a smile on the boy's face. especially when he was little. everyday he hoped it would rain, so his mom wouldn't take him to school. during the days when it was raining, he would stay inside and drink some hot chocolate while cuddling next to the fireplace. ahh, those were the days. now, every time it rains, the boy cannot wait to get outside and run around with the raindrops splashing on him; acting like a little five-year-old. drew is someone would doesn't get offended nor get hurt by any harsh or little joke comment. he's been bullied throughout his high school years because the fact that he was bit of a nerd back then. so, when someone makes a little comment about him whether it was a joke or not, he just brush it off and put a little fake smile. he act like it doesn't hurt him, but deep down it did. luckily, the little joke the girl said about him being squeaking clean didn't andrew hurt. actually, he found it rather funny. andrew looked at the girl, listening to what she was telling him and notice her voice was getting quieter during the last part. the boy stare down at the ground, nodding his head slightly with agreement. although, he didn't hear half the things she said but figure to be polite. that's good. but don't you ever get tired of working? i mean, i'm sure it gets little tiring to be here all day and not having the time to hang out with friends or family. he said, shrugging his shoulders. he didn't want to be noisy on her business. looking at her with his head tilted to the side while listening to what she was telling him. he's not too sure if they have a class together or not since he doesn't pay too much attention in the room. he's more of a slacker who cannot wait until school's over and get ready for his one month vacation. ahh, i see. so, you're one of those people huh? the ones who cannot wait to get out of class and cause trouble. he joked, smiling. the boy just nod his head as a way of saying 'you're welcome' about having the girl to keep the change. after receiving his bag, the boy slowly turn around and looks over at the window. it was still raining outside and he didn't want to get anymore soak than he already is. he look back over at the girl and thought about her little suggestion, wondering what to do. he doesn't mind to kill time here in the bakery while the storm passes. at the same time, he doesn't want to bother her from work. he's not good at making decisions. after thinking over it, the boy finally come up with a answer. hmm, i guess i could eat here. how are you going to keep me entertain? the young boy asked, wondering what she had in mind of entertainment. he doesn't like the quiet. being in a quiet moment makes him feel awkward and uncomfortable. he's someone who needs entertainment to save his life. yeah, he's one of those people.

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[TAYLOR DYLAN EVENSTEAN]

[atrb=border,0,true] Looking up and out of the window to the front of the bakery, Taylor watched as other people made there way by the glass. Some were running, clutching to their bag or case, while others, the ones with umbrellas, walked on with a smile on their face, almost smug about being more prepared than the others. Taylor had to admit, even she hadn't come to work with any rain gear, however she hoped the rain would pass over in an hour, that's when she got off. If not, she figured it was going to be a long, wet walk home, not that she minded terribly, however she wished the weather was cooler, she liked cold rain more than warm, however beggars couldn't be choosers, so she would stick with the rain that she was getting. Going back to her work, she finished getting the boys things together, happy that he didn't seem to upset by her comment. The last thing she needed was some stranger throwing pastries at her. Taylor hadn't meant to get quieter was she talked, however she wasn't normally the kind of girl to talk much at all, she was a loner, the girl in the back of the class who stuck to herself and liked it that way. So to be talking as much as she had been, made her feel weird and a tad bit awkward. "Well kind of, I mean doesn't everyone get tired of working their jobs? However you have to pay the bills right? Plus, I consider myself lucky, I like my job in a way." looking down, she swallowed as the boy spoke about friends and family. The two things Taylor didn't have. Her father was never in the picture much and her mother was an utter failure. She couldn't take care of Taylor. At first she had tried, but she ended up giving up so easy towards the end. Taylor begged her to do what she needed to do, but in the end the mothers promises turned to lies. Taylor was taken away and placed into foster care, where she grew up until she was eighteen. It wasn't a pretty life. She had seen it all in that time, beating, running away. She never wanted to be a trouble kid, it just sometimes turned out that way. "Well to be honest I don't really have either, so my job is like my family, the people here I mean. So I like being here." It was half lie half truth, but she wasn't in the mood to explain any more than that. In fact she had just shared with him more than she normally did. It was weird, although she was sure she had seen the kid around school, she couldn't remember if he was in any of her classes, so she wasn't sure why she felt so open around him, at least more than normal. "Well I don't care for school yes, however I'm not sure you could say I cause trouble, I mean I don't try to." Looking down, Taylor looked at the counter, she wasn't sure what to say, yes she was a girl who caused trouble, but she never meant to. After offering the boy a place to wait out the rain, she watched as he seemed to struggle with the idea, before agreeing. Laughing lightly she shrugged as she looked around. "I guess the best offer I can do you, considering this place isn't a amusement park, is offer to let you come back here and maybe teach you how some of these treats are made." She shrugged lightly. It wasn't much of an offer, but it was the best one she could muster.

CREDIT TO JENNERS

[andrew abraham harper]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: transparent; border: #transparent solid 15px; width: 400px; padding: 10 5 10 10px;] baby you light up my world like nobody else nodding his head while listening to what the girl was telling him. his mom always told him it's polite to nod his head to let the person know that you're listening to what they were saying. it always seem to work pretty well for the boy. besides, he doesn't mind listening and staying quiet. it's better for him and for everyone else. once he starts talking, the boy would ramble about silly things that wouldn't make sense at all. he's a weird kid sometimes. i guess, it depends on what kind of jobs everyone is taking. i mean, there's some people that gets tired of it while there's others who enjoys it. andrew said, shrugging his shoulders. that's his opinion though. oh yeah? well, what do you like about your job besides baking that considers yourself lucky? or is baking the reason why? he said, letting out a small laugh. the boy didn't know whether to ask her more about her family or friends, but didn't want the girl to tell him because he wants to know. he wants to respect her privacy and if she doesn't want to tell him more, then that's fine with him. instead of saying anything, he just stood here quietly with his mouth shut and slightly nod his head, not saying another word. andrew study the girl and watching her every movement. she didn't look like the type of person who would cause trouble. she look like the type of person who would sit in the back of the classroom with her head down and sitting there quietly, waiting for class to be over. you cause trouble? no offense or anything, but you don't look like the type of person who could cause trouble. you look innocent. he said, hoping he didn't offend her or anything by the little comment he said about her. he didn't meant to say it and maybe hurt her feelings. the boy couldn't help but laugh at the girl's offer of entertainment. was she joking with him? andrew look at the girl, not knowing if she was being serious or not. he would love to learn how to make one of the treats, but doesn't trust himself. he can be little clumsy and destroy everything that he gets his hands on. you're going to teach me how to make these treats? i don't think that's a good idea. i don't trust myself with anything that involves fire or ovens. andrew teased, grinning widely. he didn't want to be responsible for anything that happened during the back of the counter and having the girl fired because of his clumsiness. you know what i notice? throughout this entire time that we've been talking, i don't think we haven't gotten the chance to introduce one another. i'm andrew, by the way. he smiled, reaching his hand out for her to shake. he felt awful and rude for not introducing himself. notes: sorry for the late reply, love. my muse hasn't been working too well with me lately.

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[TAYLOR DYLAN EVENSTEAN]

[atrb=border,0,true] Watching the boy as he stood there nodding his head, Taylor wasn't sure if he was paying attention or just nodding, wishing she would just shut up. Taylor knew if the tables were turned she would probably be wishing the kid would shut up. Coming in for a treat and being stuck with some freak show going on and on. Taylor wished she could just shut herself up, she even tried, however it wasn't working out all to well, she just found herself going on and on, talking more and more. It was silly. She didn't know the kid. There could be a possibility that he was in her class, but at the same time he might not have been, meaning other than a few times of coming into the shop and a few times around the school. Shrugging, Taylor took a towel from off the counter and started wiping at the glass lightly "I guess. Although I'm sure even if you have a job you love, you sometimes wish you didn't have to work, I mean I know I do." It was all about perception, everyone was different. "I guess I find myself lucky because its a job that helps me work through some of my... issues." She commented truthfully. She couldn't believe that she just admitted to a stranger that she had issues, but she just did. Once again the girl found herself wishing she could just shut up. The stranger didn't need to know that she had issues. She didn't even know the kids name and he already knew she had issues. That wasn't something a girl should be advertising, at least she didn't think so. However, as the subject of family popped up, Taylor finally found the mute button. That was something he wasn't going to get out of her. There was nothing he could say that would make her share about her mother. It was a subject she didn't share with anyone, hell it wasn't even something she liked to remember, it was something she kept to herself. "Well I don't mean to cause trouble, it just sometimes find me. Plus there are times people convince me to do stupid things. I'm not easily manipulated or anything, there are just times I just want to let go and when I do, trouble seems to come hunting me down." Once again, to much information there. Quickly trying to change the subject, the girl offered a way of entertaining the boy. Laughing as he started to turn down the offer she shook her head "Okay then, we will keep you away from the ovens. You can do all the mixing and preparing and Ill set the oven, put them in and check them." Smiling the girl put the rag back down and started to move to the part of the counter that lifted up. "Come on. There nothing you can really mess up back here. Trust me. If I can do this, you can do this." Still smiling the girl waited on the boy, hoping he wouldn't try to turn down her offer again. As the boy said something about them not formally introducing themselves, Taylor nodded. "Your right. Well its very nice to meet you Andrew, I'm Taylor, but you can call me Tay if you wish." Reaching her hand out she took the boys, shaking it lightly, before pulling on him a little to pull him into the back. "Come on. Time for you to learn how to bake. Plus, it will impress all the ladies." She teased. notes: its okay, mines been meh as well.

CREDIT TO JENNERS