Ivy hummed along to the radio as she cracked two eggs into the mixing bowl. She picked up the bowl of sweet chocolate and began to twirl around her kitchen, the wooden spoon twisting every way so as to mix the dough. Ivy looked out the window to the dark sky being plagued by rays of light shining dimly from the east.

"Almost sunrise, better get these done" she said to herself.

This was her favorite time of the day. When she could work alone with equipment she had used since her childhood. Hours before her bakery opened, hours before the employees came, she had solitude and she enjoyed every minute of it. Ivy finished scooping the dough for her double chocolate chip cookies, popped the trays in the oven, and set the timer for fifteen minutes.

Ivy took off her pink apron and smoothed out her dress. She tightened the ponytail on her head and went out to the front of her store. She began flipping down chairs from their tables and flipping over the welcome signs. Ivy went outside and opened the awning that sat above the café setting outdoors.

After about ten minutes she was done. She went back in and heard the timer ding. Putting all of the cookies in a tray she brought them out and opened all of the glass displays to start her day. As 6:00 hit, her workers slowly started to trickle in. She heard the bell jingle and turned around knowing very well who came first.

"Gut Morgen, Ludwig"

"Gut Morgen, Ivy" he repeated with a smile and off he went to the German pastries.

At 6:02, "Veh Luddy! You didn't wait for me! Oh, Buongiorno Ivy! Looking like a pretty lady as always!

"Buongiorno Feli. The gelato is all ready for you" she said with a soft smile.

A huge "Grazie! Veh!" was heard as he practically sprinted to the Italian corner of the store.

At 6:10, "Buenos Dias Ivy!" In waltzed Antonio with a smile brighter than the sun itself.

"Buenos Dias Toni! You forgot something yesterday."

He looked shocked and then realization sunk into his eyes."Ah, perdon, boss. The churros right? I just had to get home to Lovina yesterday it was our one year anniversary!" He said giving big puppy dog eyes.

Ivy held back a smile. "I know. That's why I did them for you. Just don't forget again" she said and smacked him lightly with a pamphlet at the front counter as he walked to the Spanish station.

He smiled and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Gracias Ivy, you're the best"

"Don't you mean the boss?" she said teasingly.

It was now 6:25, and workers were expected in before 6:30 for the breakfast rush.

"Tony, where's Francis?" Her eye began to twitch. What is this? The fourth time this month?

"Lo siento, but I don't know."

6:26 *twitch*

6:27 *twitch*

6:28 *twitch*

6:29 *twitch*

"THAT'S IT! That bastard is FIRED! This is the fourth time this month and he expects to keep a job?! If he would rather screw some whore than make than keep a steady income well that's his problem! No more do you hear me?"

She points at all of her workers who, at this point, fear for Francis's life.

6:30 "Bonjour, mes ami!"

Ivy stops mid rant.

"Aw, did my little papillion miss me too much" Francis cooed while pinching her cheek.

She slapped his hand away. "This is the last time, do you hear me asshole? You only have this job as a favor to Tony. If you cut it this close one more time, I swear i'll-"

"Do what Cher? Fire me? This store thrives because of me. Your best customers are all mine."

He strolled over to the French pastries.

"By the way Ivy, that dress looks a little tight, maybe you need a bigger size?" he said.

A resounding gasp was heard by Feliciano.

Ivy looked down, and marched her way to the front counter in front of all the American treats. She willed herself not to cry as her first customer walked in.

"Good morning and welcome to Something Sweet, how may we help you?"