Bellamy stretched out his back and softly groaned, his back popping several times. He gathered up the bundles of wet cloth and tossed them in the basket, carrying them to the clothesline nearby. He grabbed the bundle of wooden clips and started hanging the cloth, clipping the smaller pieces in place.
He glanced up when he heard the back door to his house open and grabbed a thick cloth, tossing it over the line. "What's up, grandma?"
The small, elderly woman rolled her eyes and slowly walked over to him. "I've told you to stop calling me that, young man. I have a delivery I need you to make."
He nodded and grabbed the basket, walking past his teacher to go inside. "What is it?"
She followed him and stepped under his arm as he held the door open for her. "It's some aprons for the bakers moving in. They'll be here for the festival. Do you plan on attending the festivities this season?"
He shrugged and set the basket with the others, picking up the package she had left beside the front door. "I doubt it."
She hummed and patted his arm. "Well, don't be too much of a stranger. You're welcome here, Bellamy."
He rolled his eyes and said, "Yeah, yeah, I know grandma. See you around."
She softly sighed and watched him walk off, softly muttering, "That boy thinks too low of himself. Well, maybe that girl can lift his spirit."
Bellamy walked through the town and tucked the package under his arm, glancing around as some stalls were being set up. The spring festival was nearing and while he had been there for the fall and winter festivals, he never felt comfortable or welcome enough to join in. Despite the old lady taking him in and declaring him to be welcomed, he just didn't feel it yet.
He softly sighed and inhaled when he neared the bakery, smiling at the sweet array of smells that drifted out. He walked in and stepped aside as some kids ran past, cookies in their hands. He glanced at them and walked up to the counter, lightly knocking on the wood.
"Package here! Got some aprons!"
He raised an eyebrow at some clanging and a young woman's head poked out. She blinked at him and looked at the package. "Oh! Perfect, come on back here."
She ducked back and he stared at the swinging door before shrugging and hopping over the counter. Grabbing the package, he nudged the door open and glanced around at the various bowls spread across the counters. He waved his hand in front of his face at the wave of heat as she opened an oven and looked for a clear spot to set the package down.
She carefully took the tray of cookies out and slid in another, setting the hot tray on a clear spot. "Just, set those on the table in the back. And don't knock over the sprinkles!"
He rolled his eyes and started walking back. "I won't."
Bellamy nudged the swinging door open and blinked at the various bottles of colored icing and containers of sprinkles. He walked over to the table and shifted, not seeing a spot clear enough for it. He softly sighed and carefully began moving the sprinkle containers, slowly clearing out a space.
He reached for a larger container and paled when his fingers bumped another one close to the edge. He flinched when it hit the floor and softly groaned as the bright pink sprinkles dumped onto the floor. He set the package on the now-clear spot and glanced up when he heard the girl stop moving around.
She practically slammed the door open and looked around before zeroing in on the pink sprinkles on the floor. "God dammit, delivery boy! I told you not to spill any! How long do you think it's gonna take me to clean those up?!"
He twitched and narrowed his eyes. "I'm not a delivery boy! And, it was an accident! There wasn't a clear spot so I had to make one! Not my fault you've got them all spread out!"
She glared up at him and stepped closer, tilting her head back as she put her flour-coated hands on her hips. "Well maybe you should've just put it on the floor! What are you then, if you're not a delivery boy? Looks like you're delivering packages like one!"
He glared and crossed his arms, his chest puffing up. "I'm an official craftsman, what you? Baker assistant or something? Where's your boss?"
She stepped closer and pointed at him, her finger inches from his face. "I'm a full fledged baker, I'll have you know! I didn't train and study all those years to be called an assistant!"
He leaned in closer to her, his nose almost touching hers. "I can't imagine a baker having all their shit spread out on a table and expecting a package of aprons to actually fit on there!"
She flushed and stomped on his foot, making him jolt and yelp. "I am a baker! It was organized to me, you jerk! Here, since you made the damned mess, you can clean it up too!"
He glared as she stepped away and grabbed the broom after she shoved it against his chest. "Fine, I will! But not cause you told me too, so don't let it get to your head."
She huffed and nodded firmly, her cheeks lingering red as she stalked back into the kitchen. He rolled his eyes and started sweeping up the mess before grinning when he realized something; she was blushing. More importantly, she was blushing cause of him.
Bellamy grinned widely and glanced at the door. "The name's Bellamy, shortcake!"
He waited a moment and she called back, "It's Alice, not shortcake!"
He snickered softly and returned to sweeping, grinning widely to himself. Oh, yes, he thought, this would be fun. Very fun indeed.