It Takes A Man
Author: Nightstar Fury from Nightstar Productions.
Rated: M for Mature.
Disclaimer: I do not own the HTTYD movies, series, or shorts. And any of the songs I use I don't own either so don't get huffy with me. Anyway...Enjoy! :)
Chapter 12; Surprise Party.
She thought raising a child was stressful, she was very mistaken. Running a kitchen she'd never been in before was stressful beyond her standard limits. She had no idea how she was doing it, but she was. She kept her tickets organized and every dish went through her before she sent it out the window with the waiter or waitress. She assembled them all herself and did the decorating of the plates. By the second hour things began to slow down but were still steady and much to her surprise she got the hang of things pretty quickly. Greg came in at different times to inform her that customers were sending their compliments to the chef. It felt good honestly to hear that, her first time in a 4 star restaurant and she was being complimented even though she didn't even work here, she was just filling in for the night.
Allison was tired, being on her period didn't make it any easier but she would push through none the less. She was being counted on by the staff and Greg right now, she was also worried about Jay, it was almost time for his feeding but she trusted Hunter to take care of him. By 9:30pm there was finally a break in tickets and she could breathe, also get a glass of water before she passed out from heat and exhaustion. Greg came in smiling, he hugged her tightly in thanks.
"Oh lass, yew did it! Everyone has their food and although they were mad about the wait they are thrilled and happy about everything else. They all want to meet the one responsible for the amazing food and speed." Greg told her. Allison's eyes widened a bit as she got bashful.
"Oh no no...I think I'll just...stay back here and work unless I'm free to go?" Allison said.
"I'm being asked by everyone if they can meet the chef who managed to save a restaurant from riot mode with her speed. Allison you perfected every dish, got it out to the right table, nothing got sent back and people are loving it. You have to come out with me. I've already got reservations booked for the next 6 weeks, parties!" Greg explained. Allison sighed now as she nodded, Greg put his hand on Allison's shoulder and led her out. Once past the kitchen doors she was being applauded by the restaurant goers and staff. She blushed a bit waving nervously.
"Your food is amazing! I've never had a streak so juicy and flavorful before!" Yelled one customer.
"This Alfredo sauce is the best I've ever had." Another one shouted.
"Ladies and gentleman, this lass before you is the one who stepped in when my two head chefs called out sick. She is the one who made all this possible for you. I myself am grateful she accepted when I asked for her help." Greg announced, more clapping and cheering. "There's two food critics over here who want to see you, Allison." Greg led her over to the table. "This is the one who made your food tonight. Allison Hofferson." Greg introduced nervously.
"This young girl no more than 19 I wager made my meal?" Asked the woman in a tone of disbelief, Allison nodded nervously now. "Well I have only one thing to say...Remarkable." Allison's eyes widened seeing the woman smile now.
"Yes I second that. The food is amazing, outstanding. The speed, the look, the taste all incredible. I must know where did you acquire your cooking skills, Allison?" Stated the man sitting across from the woman.
"To be completely honest, I just got them from a cook book and put my own spin on it. I just...love to cook so I try different things until I find something I like. I write it down and add it to my own recipe book...I never went to culinary school." Allison admitted softly. The two critics blinked in surprise a few times. "I'm not even employed here, I came with my son, boyfriend, and his parents...I was...asked by the owner here if I'd help out in the kitchen after he saw some of my work..." Allison added truthfully.
"Extraordinary. Well you, Miss. Hofferson are now the reason that Mr. Gregory Bergson's restaurant just got it's 5th star. Well done, and we will definitely be adding that such a remarkable young woman was able to save this place from being marked a 3 star because of the slow service but its clear now that Mr. Bergson has made the right choice in having you be his new chef. We will be back for sure." The woman said.
"Wait wait...I-I'm not...the new chef...I was only filling in." Allison protested quickly. Greg smiled and led her away back towards her table where Jay was awake and in Hunter's arms now. "Greg...What was she talking about. I'm not...the new chef here. I was only helping out." Allison said to him now.
"Allison. I want you to stay here and work for me as my executive chef. I'm offering you a job to work here. $22 an hour pay, you choose your hours, you get benefits, and all holidays off. And I'm gonna sweeten the deal so you can't refuse. You stay as my E.C...And I will pay for you to go to culinary school personally." Greg told her as her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open.
"Y-You want...m-me to stay as you executive chef? And work here?" Allison asked to confirm.
"And I will pay for you to go to culinary school. After tonight's display, I don't want anyone else in my kitchen running that line but you. Even the other two chefs will be working under you, come on...You can't possibly say no to this offer. Steven, Vicky, and Hunter all told me earlier you wanted to go to culinary school to become a top chef in Berk...Take the offer lass." Greg smiled, Allison looked to the Haddock's now they all nodded as well, telling her to take the offer.
"Allie come on babe. A chance to go to school and get a better job doing what you love to do? And don't worry about Jay either. Between me, mom, and dad we can watch him nights you have to work and you can even take my car to school. I know you have your license. Allison you have to take it!" Hunter exclaimed. Allison didn't know what do say, she was beyond ecstatic at the offer and definitely once in a lifetime too. She'd never get this chance again. She could have a better job and go to culinary school. She couldn't turn it down, and she had the support of her boyfriend and his parents too.
Allison smiled as she nodded. "Alright. Okay, I'm in. I'll do it. I accept!" She exclaimed. Greg practically hugged her in joy, she could of cried she was so happy. Finally things were turning around for her. Greg pulled out his wallet and handed her a $100 bill, she blinked a bit.
"I only work 3 ½ hours...22 times 3.5 is 77..." Allison told him.
"You saved my ass tonight, Allison. And I don't have anything smaller so take the money and I'll see you first thing Monday mornin to do yer paperwork and set up your hours and schooling." Greg smiled.
"Y-Yes sir, of course! Thank you!" She hugged him tightly, Greg hugged her back as the waiter brought over a Styrofoam box with food in it.
"And this is your dinner for tonight, on me. Hunter ordered it for ya." Greg said giving her the box. Allison nodded smiling as she and the Haddock's prepared to leave the restaurant.
"You sure you don't need me to stay longer?" Allison asked.
"Its fine now lass. Kitchen closes in 20 minutes anywho. Have a good night and weekend." Greg said, Allison nodded as she left with the Haddock's and Jay, once in the car she sat back after putting her seat belt on and almost started crying because she was so happy.
"You alright over there?" Hunter asked.
"I don't even...have the words to describe how I feel right now babe...I really don't." Allison sighed out.
"Well just think...Starting Monday you have a new job, and you're going back to school to live out your dream!" Hunter told her as he started the car up and headed back to his parent's house so they could pack their clothes for the week since they were staying with him. Reaching the house, Steven and Victoria got out saying they'd meet Hunter at his apartment within the hour and with that Hunter continued on to take Allison home since it was almost time for Jay's 10:30 feeding.
He helped her inside and even held Jay who woke up again hungry while Allison made the bottle, she began to feed Jay as Hunter kissed her cheek and bid her a goodnight before returning to his apartment to help his parents get settled in the guest room. Allison just sat there on the couch as she fed Jay some infant cereal, then a 6oz bottle. He stayed up until 11:15pm before falling back asleep, once he was to bed Allison couldn't help but just smile wide. She had a new job, better pay and hours, and she was going back to school. It was an amazing feeling. She couldn't wait.
(The Next Day)
Allison did the same as she always did in the morning, she got ready for work and then Jay for daycare. She had to work 10am-4 today so it was going to be long and Hunter said he'd pick her and Jay up when she was done, that was a relief since it was pretty cold out. Of course, Hunter had other plans up his sleeves. He'd rounded all his friends up at his house that afternoon and 2 hours before Allison got off work to talk to them. He was still going through with his plan to help Allison put on Jay's birthday without her knowing about it. Like a surprise party in a way.
"Alright Hunt, what's the urgency in everyone coming over?..." Francis asked tiredly, he'd just gotten off work.
"We all know how stubborn, Allison is and she doesn't like asking for help right? Well it came to my attention accidentally that Jay's 1st birthday is this Saturday, 2 days away. And Allison because of her cut hours at work hasn't been able to get the things for his party...Its why she's been sort of down lately." Hunter explained.
"Oh the poor thing, she must feel terrible..." Victoria frowned.
"I know but I think we can help her. Lets...throw Jay a surprise party, right here at the apartment. She'll never know what happened and we can all chip in for something. I already have the cake..." Hunter smiled.
"I call drinks!" Cassie smiled.
"I call chips!" Scott announced with a a hand up.
"I got pizza." Heather giggled.
"Your father and I have decorations." Victoria added in.
"Rose and I can handle plates, cups, and utensils." Trevor raised his hand.
"I'll clean the apartment." Francis nodded.
"And we'll each get him a present." Rosaline said.
"We'll make this a birthday he'll never forget." Hunter smiled wide, with their plan in motion they all continued to talk about how to go about it without Allison finding out they were doing it. They already feared her getting upset that they threw a party for him when they knew she wanted too but didn't have the money right now. Hunter said he'd figure it out and for them to just stick to the plan. It was going to be perfect.
(Saturday)
Jay's first birthday arrived at last and everyone was excited for it, Allison woke up at 6am to get ready. Jay was up at 7am thankfully he slept later now that he was older. Allison put him in a cute little outfit that said he was the birthday boy and made it a whole year without driving mommy bonkers. Allison thought it was adorable and had to get it, she still hadn't gotten anything for the party since there was an issue with her food assistance that month and she had to use the $100 that Greg gave her for food for Jay and herself but she did manage to get him a present if nothing else. She felt bad, she couldn't even give her son a birthday party because of how tight money was.
Over at Hunter's, he was making sure everything was being put together right for the party he, his parents, and friends set up. They were going to celebrate just about all day starting at lunch time. And of course it was indoors because of how cold it was outside. He did go trick or treating with Allison and Jay on Halloween night, they did stop at the diner where Jeremy gave him little infant snacks and a bottle of sugar free juice. It was sweet of him, and Allison already told Jeremy that she would be leaving in two weeks to work for Greg. Jeremy was sad to see her leaving again but promised that she would always have a place there if she wanted to come back.
Allison was grateful for this, and promised to visit often. After Jay had gone to bed that night, Hunter hung around as Allison actually told him her labor story, remembering how much pain she'd been in when she woke up November 1st last year. Hunter still felt bad that he never knew she was right across the street from her when she'd been in labor. She explained that her neighbor actually drove her to the hospital when the contractions reached 5 minutes apart. Hunter said if he'd known he would of taken her and stayed by her side the entire time through delivery. Hunter went home that night a little after 12am, given that Saturday would be busy for him to get ready for the party that Allison knew nothing about so here they were preparing for it.
Being it was now 11:40am or so Hunter was going over everything making sure it was set. There were seats on the couches and some metal chairs around the room for others to sit. The dogs were out back frolicking in the snow for a bit and then Hunter would let them in and of course they had to stay settled down since Jay would be crawling around. Hunter had everyone there and Greg would be coming later on to join the festivities. "Alright go get her. We're ready." Steven smiled.
Everything was ready. There was a long white folding table with a blue plastic cover. There were black plates and cups, white plastic utensils. There were two trays of pizza, pepperoni and cheese. Also little finger sandwiches, crackers, dip, chips and about 6 different kinds of soda. The decor was blue and black streamers, and a big Happy Birthday banner. Hunter even got the play pen out and set off to the side with blankets, a pillow, and toys in it. All their friends were there and it was finally time. He took a deep breath, praying Allison didn't get upset about or not. He left the apartment and walked across the street, knocking on her door lightly.
Allison opened the door to see Hunter there, she smiled softly. "Hey babe, what brings you by?" Allison asked.
"Well I wanted to see the birthday boy, and you too of course." Hunter smiled back giving her a quick kiss. Allison smiled as she moved aside to let him in, he went right to Jay who smiled up at him and lifted his arms which Allison and Hunter both knew to be the signal for up. Hunter picked him right up and tossed him lightly in the air, Jay giggled and hugged Hunter around the neck. "Happy Birthday little man. Ready to have a fun day?" Hunter asked him, Jay smiled wide playing with Hunter's face as he turned and faced Allison.
"Fun? We were just gonna play here all day..." Allison said gently obviously trying to hide that she of course had nothing planned due to lack of money.
"Well then come over to my house. Its one of those rare instances where everyone has the day off and we're hanging out. Come on, we all know it's Jay's birthday and everyone wants to see him." Hunter pressed more. Allison sighed nodding, she wouldn't deny her friends and she'd just bring her present for him with her. She got his winter coat and shoes on him, then she got her own as she held on to Hunter's arm. "Be careful, its a little icy." Hunter told her, she nodded to him as they crossed the street towards Hunter's apartment.
Reaching the door, Hunter opened it and let Allison in first then him in with Jay in his arms. "SURPRISE! Happy Birthday Jay!" The group of friends and Hunter's parents yelled. Jay jumped a bit but seeing faces he recognized he giggled and clapped his hands a few times. Allison blinked as Hunter closed the door.
"I-I don't...understand?..." Allison said in shock.
"So I might'a lied a bit to get you over here babe. We wanted to throw Jay a birthday party since you never said anything about having one, we're all friends practically family so we wanted to celebrate together." Hunter told her as he was getting Jay's coat, gloves, boots, and hat off.
"Well I was gonna have it be just me and him...I-I thought everyone might be to busy to take a day off and celebrate with us..." Allison said, of course that was a lie.
"Well we all ended up with the day off anyway so we planned something. Hope you don't mind dear." Victoria said gently.
"We-Well of course I don't...B-But he's only just turned one...All this wasn't necessary..." Allison said to them.
"Oh nonsense. Like Hunter said, we're all unofficial aunts and uncles to him. And families celebrate birthdays and holidays together." Heather beamed.
"You have to tell me what I owe you for this..." Allison told them.
"Never you mind lass. You don't owe us anything." Steven said firmly.
"But you all put your own money into this and he's my son...This was my job..." Allison sighed. Hunter handed Jay to Victoria and moved in front of Allison lifting her chin so she was looking at him.
"Al...You don't owe us anything okay? This was our gift to him, a birthday party with family and friends. We all wanted to be here to celebrate with you and him since we missed your pregnancy and his birth because if we'd known we would of celebrated both. So let us have this and stop worrying about it. Now take off your coat and have fun, its a birthday after all." Hunter told her, she sighed nodded. She knew she wouldn't win this one, Hunter smiled and kissed her nose as she blushed removing her jacket. Hunter took hers, and Jay's things and put them in his bedroom then came back out as there was some music playing the background.
'I really do have the best boyfriend and friends in the world...' Allison thought as she finally smiled and began to enjoy herself. It was her son's 1st birthday, no way she wouldn't enjoy such a day. It would be perfect.