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Time flies when you're under pressure.

I've been in and out of Marianna's culinary school since Wednesday. I started off by buying the food we needed to prepare. After my trip to the grocery store and collecting all the necessary ingredients for baking I dropped them off. 

The cake was the most tedious task I was assigned. It took two whole days to bake, ice and decorate. It's safe to say I haven't been sleeping much. The end product was worth it. 

We were currently loading everything into the truck. Boxes of pastries, trays of food, drinks, and a lot more were loaded one by one. We took extra caution when it came to the cake. I separated the layers into different boxes to prevent any mishaps on the way there.

The party starts in three hours. It takes thirty minutes to drive from the shop to the manor where it is being held. So I have an hour and a half to set up everything before guests start arriving.

I stared at the large metallic gates as a security guard approached the car. Mrs Hernandez mentioned that we would have to go through security so it wasn't a surprise.

Five minutes later the three cars were through security and parked in the manor's large driveway.

The driveway was beautiful. An angel pouring water out of a pitcher stood in the large fountain. The hedges were neatly trimmed. A few white roses added colour to them.

"You're here. Come, come," Mrs Hernandez ushered us through the house.

The house was just as grand as the driveway. Large and luxurious. It screamed wealth in its simplistic white design.

Expensive decorative art hung on the walls, adding colour. The tiles reflected the image of my yellow sunflower wedges. That's how clean they were.

We walked through, passing decorators and house staff setting up for the big event.

We made it to the entertainment area near the backyard and set up there. The baby shower would be held in the backyard so the food will be close by in the adjacent room.

The backyard was beautifully decorated with round tables that catered for five people. The blue linen that covered the tables looked on par with the entire house, expensive.

There were balloons, banners and signs up. All in the same colour scheme of pastel blue, white and gold.

I instructed the students I had for assistance to set up the trays of food while I began putting together the cake.

I stood back after assembling the cake and smiled. The three-tier, blue frosted, chocolate goodness stood tall on the cake table.

I put on a banner that says ' Luisa's baby shower' on the top. It was made on edible paper and held up with white chocolate pretzel sticks. I added small, white teddy bears all around the cake. Spreading them evenly.

I added small details like the baby's due date, tiny diapers, shoes and footprints to the cake.

It looked simple but complete.

I placed cupcakes around the cake along with the other sweet confections. I made sweet jars, cotton candy bags, macaroons and doughnuts.

"Oh my, it's beautiful," a lady's voice sounded from behind me.

I turned to face the source of the compliment and I was faced with a beautiful woman.

Her naturally tan skin shined against the warm sunlight. She wore a beautiful long white dress that had blue flowers around it. She had on a matching flower crown that contrasted beautifully with her curly black hair. The large bump added to her magnificent appearance.

"Thank you, I hope you enjoy everything and I wish you a safe delivery," I complimented and she thanked me while looking around the table.

"Oh my god, you made arepas. May I?"

I nodded and she picked up a warm arepa, carefully biting into it. She hummed in delight as she watched the cheese pull.

"This is so good. Gosh, I've been craving these for so long but my husband couldn't find any good ones around. Seb, come taste,"

A tall man walked over to us and leaned into Luisa. She held out the arepa and he bit into it. He made a similar sound to his wife's and I smiled at their cuteness.

"These are amazing. How about you become our private chef?"

"I'd like to keep my personal assistant, thanks," Mateo stated coming from behind me with his parents behind him.

"So she's Nadia? Nice to finally pin a face to the stories. I'm Sebastian,that big baby's older brother and this is my wife Luisa," Sebastian stuck his hand out and I shook it.

Luisa however pulled me in for a hug which I returned.

"Ah, stories?" I asked looking back at Mateo.

"All good. My sister Isa wouldn't shut up about you,"

Just then Cassandra approached me, stopping in her tracks as everyone eyed her.

"Eh, hi everyone. Dia we are done setting up. Macy is asking if we'll head out now,"

"Oh, please do stay. I'd love to have you here and get to know you more. Both of you," Luisa asked and I looked at Cassandra.

She nodded and I excused myself to let out the students. Thanking them for their time and effort.

I walked back in and I found Cass talking to Mr and Mrs Hernandez. They seemed to be laughing at something Cass was saying. I admired that about her a lot, she seemed to fit naturally in wherever she went. 

I joined the trio and we continued speaking before Isabel showed up, whisking me away.

Soon people started to flood in. I watched as they marvelled at the cake and food after they greeted the parents to be. I got a couple of compliments as Luisa mentioned that I'm the one who handled everything.

Mrs Hernandez gave a speech, blessing Luisa and Sebastian as they welcome their first baby into the family. Sophie, Luisa's mom gave a speech as well. The real fun began when the speeches ended. 

Lots of music, food and games later, I now sat on a small bench in the garden. It overlooked a small pond with tiny fish swimming around. The sun had just disappeared, making the sky a beautiful gradient.

It was peaceful and I sat with my thoughts.

"I thought you left already," Mateo stated from behind me.

I turned to face him slightly and I smiled a small smile at him. This was the first time today that I took in his outfit.

He wore a baby blue golf shirt with cream pants. An expensive black watch sat on his wrist, making his outfit come together. His hair fell softly into his face, unruly in an orderly manner.

"I'll be leaving soon. I'm just winding down a bit, it's been a busy day," I replied looking back into the distance.

I felt Mateo sit down next to me but I paid him no mind. I instead watched the sky fade into a darker purple shade. Indicating it's now evening time.

"It's beautiful," It was a mere thought that left my lips, barely above a small whisper.

"I know," Mateo replied but when I turned he wasn't facing the sky.

His eyes kept mine locked to his. It was almost like I was under a spell or something.

I slowly felt every fibre of my being beginning to warm up. Like I was on fire, internally. A warm cozy winter fire, that is. One lit by the most beautiful pair of grey eyes I've ever seen.

I finally managed to look away as I cleared my throat before standing. Wiping my now sweaty palms down on my dress.

"It's late, I should get Cassandra home,"

I turned around and sped back to the house.

The party had died down now. Most of the guests had left by now. Just a few hung around talking to Luisa and Sebastian. Isabel had left before I headed for the garden. She slipped me her number, hoping we could hang out soon.

I spotted Cassandra with Mrs Hernandez on the patio couch. She was listening patiently as Mrs Hernandez spoke. I could see by the smile on her face that she was enjoying the conversation.

"There she is. Thank you again for everything. Everyone loved the food. There aren't any leftovers," Mrs Hernandez got up to hug me after she noticed me approaching.

"You're welcome Mrs Hernandez. Thank you for gifting my company this amazing opportunity,"

"Please, call me Julia," she responded when she pulled away slowly.

I smiled at her, nodding. I thanked her for having us before I said my goodbyes to Luisa and Sebastian.

"You sure you don't want to switch jobs. I heard working for my brother isn't fun," Sebastian joked as I said my goodbyes.

"I'll let you know," I smiled back and left.

I mentally thanked myself for getting my driver's license as I drove Cass and I home. I've had my license since I was 17, I just don't have a car.

With the way my finances are looking, I can get one in the next two years.

I looked over at Cassandra's sleeping figure and smiled as I watched her chest slowly rise and fall.

Everything I do right now, is for her.


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