Thank you to Fran S. Sunflower and DaniDarlingxx.

Day 9: March 21, 2020

Rose

8:23 PDT

Los Angeles, California

"What the hell are you doing?"

Jasper looks up at me when I come into the kitchen. He's got a massive pile of flour in front of him, and he's elbow deep into some sticky-looking dough. He shrugs a little.

"Try'na bake," he drawls. I arch a brow.

"Why?"

He shrugs. "Why not?"

I've known Jasper a few years, but despite that, I don't know him all that well.

I move across the kitchen and pour myself a cup of coffee, stopping to stir in some milk. "Need some help?"

Jasper looks up at me in surprise. "Sure, grab an apron."

I sip my coffee and nod, pulling my hair up off my neck before I move to the hooks behind me and grab an apron. I slip it on, turning to Jasper.

"Tell me what to do."

…

Jasper walks me through making bread. I've never done it before, and it's sort of gross and messy, but there is something sort of satisfying about it as well.

"My mama used to make bread every week," he says, kneading the dough. "Didn't even know we could get it from the store till I was a teen."

When he talks about home, his twang comes out, and it makes me smile.

"I've never even seen my mom in the kitchen," I say, shaking my head. He glances at me. "She's not the domestic type," I explain.

He nods. "My mama's a little too domestic, sometimes," he says with a soft chuckle. "She's what you'd call a helicopter mom."

It's interesting to talk to him about this. I'm surprised by how much I'm enjoying spending time with Jasper. I want to ask him about the rest of his family when Bella comes into the kitchen. I'm shocked to see her up before noon. I eye her. Did she brush her hair?

She meets my eyes and immediately scowls. "Shut up," she snaps, pouring two cups of coffee. I have to bite my lip to stop myself from laughing out loud. She glares at me once more before backing out of the kitchen with both mugs.

As soon as she's gone, I let out a laugh, and Jasper grins.

"I think we're in for an interesting time ahead of us," he says softly. I can't agree more.

Okay, who jumped in on the baking craze at the beginning of Lockdown? I'm allergic to bread, so I didn't, but man, it sounded fun. Anyone get creative in the kitchen?

Tomorrow, we'll see just what Bella is up to!

xx