Page 140 of Tiers of Joy

That’s not to mention that being a Brit I am still not used to seeing this amount of snowfall. Back in the UK we would be excited and also probably panic as it would bring the country to a standstill. Our small island is not prepared for any form of snow.

Gaige dropped me to the bakery while he delivered some lumber. We were open but closing up early for new years eve and also due to the fact that the snowfall was getting just a little too heavy.

“Right so everything is packed away. I’m not planning on opening until the 3rdof January. So go crazy tonight! Get drunk because you have two days to recover.” I smile to Amy, Dawn, and Josie.

“Err, Esme, I’m sixteen.” Josie reminds me.

“Oh yeah. Well don’t get drunk in front of your parents then, maybe try to avoid a hangover.” I laugh.

“Dawn, turn the sign on the door would you? No more customers today.” I sing.

I head into the kitchen and make sure again that everything is off and that things are sealed and packed away.

“Sir you need to leave. We are closed for new year now. Please leave.” I hear Dawn argue with a customer.

I sigh and roll my eyes. I stomp through to the front of the shop. Well, it’s more like a slow and loud waddle but I make my point. I’m pissed and not in the mood to be messed with.

When I see who is causing the issue I groan.

“Why are you back here?” I ask.

“Well I wanted to buy a cake of course. Why else would I be back here?” He answers back.

“One, we are closed. Two, we still do not serve vegan, gluten, and sugar free cakes!” I yell.

“I guessed that might be your response. I have recently changed my diet. I am now just vegan and gluten free.” He states.

“So let me get this straight, you are now allowing yourself sugar but the rest is a no, no? And you expect a small town bakery to have plenty of those sort of cakes lying around just in case someone with special dietary requirements needs them? Am I correct?” I ask.

He smiles.

“Yes!”

“Here, I have the perfect thing for you.” I hand him a box of sugar cubes.

“Sugar cubes, is this a joke?” He asks.

“No it’s not. What’s a joke is you coming in here each time demanding ridiculous cakes just so I can say what I’ve said before and what feels like a million times! We tell our customers that if they have a special dietary requirement, they are to contact us with notice so we can take the proper precautionary measures to make the bloody cake!” I yell.

As I yell I swear I feel a pop and a gush.

“Oh crap Esme! I think your waters just broke, that or you peed yourself. I can’t tell which.” Amy points out.

A cramp in my lower stomach makes me hold my stomach.

“Owww.” I groan.

“Holy shit! Esme is in labour.” Dawn points out.

“Someone call Gaige!” I yell panicked.

“I’m on it.” Josie volunteers and runs upstairs. I think she saw her escape and ran.

Another contraction hits me and this time it hurts a lot more.

“Mother fucker.” I complain.

“I would appreciate if you didn’t use language like that around me please.” The customer states.

---