I hope you're having a great Monday and you had a great weekend! Enjoy reading!

Chapter Five

I sprung awake this morning at six a.m. I usually wasn't up this early, but I got up, washed my hair, and even put on a little makeup. Today I was opening my bakery, and I couldn't be more excited.

All my appliances have come in, Lucy made a website for me, showcasing all of my baked goods, and Maggie was coming at nine to help me open. I promised her a job, and I knew I needed the help. I wasn't sure how busy I was going to be, but that didn't matter today. Today, I was opening my shop.

I fed Cinnamon and ran down the stairs as quickly as I could without falling. It was probably too early, since I wouldn't open until ten, but I wanted to clean the place a little and start prepping the desserts.

When I opened my shop doors, it was hard to believe that just three weeks ago this place was a complete disaster. But now, it looked like a cute little bakery. I was excited and I prayed that people would like it.

My hair was already pulled up into a ponytail, so I just wrapped a hairnet around it. I didn't want any hair getting into the food, that would be gross.

I started prepping this week's special. I decided to call it the grand cookie, I couldn't think of a better name. But it was two generously large M&M cookies with homemade cream in the middle. Jake had been my taste tester and he said they were amazing.

I had managed to find a way to keep the cookie nice and soft and the cream airy and delicious. It was the perfect combination. I just really hoped everyone liked it.

I made about four dozen of those. If people liked them, I knew I'd have to make more, which was fine I was planning on spending my time in the kitchen. I kept them in the cooling racks and wouldn't put them out into the display case until I was ready to open.

Next I moved onto the regular cookies. Those were easy to make. I was only doing three different types of cookies. Chocolate chip, sugar, and macadamia nut.

Once those were finished, I started with the cupcakes. These were going to take the longest because I had to decorate them.

It took me about an hour and a half to complete them all. When I looked at the clock it was 8:30. I still had plenty of time.

I pulled the brownies out of the oven, frosted them, and then set them on the cooling racks. Next I moved onto my cakes I had baked the night before.

I only made eight because I wasn't sure if people would want a slice of cake. I took them out and began frosting them. They were each different flavors and I really hoped people liked them. One was a lemon cake with vanilla frosting, another was the triple chocolate I had made, one was a regular vanilla cake, a regular chocolate, a strawberry cake, red velvet, carrot, and a raspberry cake.

They each looked delicious and could feed a ton of people. Once I finished decorating them, I pre-sliced them, using tiny paper to separate each slice. You could still see the pretty design, but it would be easier to distribute this way.

At around nine thirty, Maggie walked into the kitchen, grabbing her apron.

"Hey Bella."

"Hey Maggie," I said, as I cleaned the counter and the utensils, "I'm finished up here, we just need to put them in the display."

"Okay, sounds good."

We started with the cupcakes. Those were going in the bottom of my display since they were the easiest to grab.

"It smells so good," She said as she inhaled deeply, "I want to eat one so badly."

I laughed, "Don't worry, there will be plenty leftover and you can take home whatever you want."

We put the rest of the stuff in the display cases. Luckily, it all fit perfectly and looked pleasing.

"Now, when you put the cakes in the boxes, you just use the cake shovel, and then you can hold the little pieces of paper to balance it. Each cake has their own shovel, so you don't need to use one for all of them. Make sure you take the paper off when you put it in the box. I don't want anyone accidentally eating the paper and getting mad."

She nodded, "No problem."

"And I have the takeout boxes separated," I said, "These little ones are for one item, such as a brownie, cookie, piece of cake, or cupcake. This next one will hold four cupcakes and brownies, but you can put six cookies in here. This bigger one is for eight cupcakes and brownies, and twelve cookies. If someone needs a much larger order, then the biggest boxes are in the kitchen and you can just slip back there and grab them. Don't leave the counter for too long though, only two minutes okay? Unless there's a problem, then of course come back and get me."

She nodded, "I got it."

"Always, always use gloves when getting the food. And change your gloves too. Just toss them in the garbage right here." I said, "And I already showed you how to use the register yesterday. Oh and the decorating book is right over there, so if someone want's to look they can, it's hooked to the table. And if they want a specialty cake or whatever, then they need to book and appointment with me. Just tell me okay?"

"I got it Bella, don't worry," She smiled.

"Sorry, I'm so nervous," I laughed, "And I'm sorry I got a crappy register, I didn't know you'd have to type in the prices of everything. I put a little price chart here, that way you don't get confused or anything."

"Oh don't worry about that. I memorized everything yesterday. I'm a whiz with numbers."

"Awesome," I smiled widely, "Now, if someone is acting dumb or anything, please just yell back for me. I don't want anyone yelling in your face or anything, just get me and I'll handle it okay? I'm hoping everyone will be nice but I'm sure there will be a few jerks."

"Don't worry, I've been working in my dad's store since I was little. I've seen it all."

I looked at the clock and then walked to the door, unlocking it, and turning the sign around. I took a deep breath and prayed that this would work out.

Billy and Jake were the first ones in the door. I smiled at them.

"Hey guys," I said, leaning over the counter.

"Hey Bella," Billy said, "How are you feeling?"

"I'm excited. And a little nervous." I said, "So, what can I get you guys?"

Jake was staring at the display with wide eyes.

"What do you want Jake?"

"Can I get the big cookie?" He asked.

"We'll take two of those." I went ahead and reached down and grabbed them the cookies.

Maggie had a box ready and closed it all up once I placed the cookies in it. I handed it to them.

"On the house," I winked.

Billy smiled, "They look amazing Bella. And thank you."

"Thank you Bella." Jake said, grabbing the box from his grandpa.

Four young people walked into the store. Billy wished me good luck then walked out of the store with Jake.

"I'll have a slice of the lemon cake," The one guy with glasses said.

"And I'll have one of those grand cookies," The girl said, "And a water."

"A cinnamon cupcake for me."

"And I think I'll have one of each cookie please. And a chocolate milk."

We boxed all of their items and rung them up. It ended up costing around thirty-five dollars.

I smiled at them as he handed them their stuff, "Please come back and see us again."

They smiled and walked out of the bakery. It made me giddy that people were actually coming in.

Lucy's website was actually very helpful. More people than I expected came in. It made me happy, and it made me feel like I had made the right choice.

At the end of the day, I ended up making over a thousand dollars. And I even had a few specialty cake orders.

"Oh my gosh, I can't believe how amazing today was!" I gushed to Maggie as we cleaned the front room, "I've never felt happier in my entire life."

"Today was a great day," Maggie said as she wiped the counter, "I can't wait to do this again. It was so much fun."

"It was great," I said, "You can head on home now. Before it gets too dark. Do you want me to walk you?"

"No I'll be okay. I already called my parents and told them I'd be home soon."

"Alright, well, thank you so much for all of your help today. I couldn't have done it without you."

I gave her a quick hug before opening the door and letting her out. I watched as she headed up the street, making sure she made it safely. After a couple minutes, I shut the door and locked it.

I couldn't keep the smile off of my face. Today had just been so perfect. I couldn't have asked for a better day.

Edward's POV

I was sitting in my office, mindlessly doing paperwork. I was trying to get ahead on all of this so I could enjoy my weekend. I had a few plans that I was very much looking forward too and I didn't want anything to ruin those plans.

I was slightly annoyed when someone knocked on my door, disrupting me.

"What?" I snapped.

"Boss, it's us." I recognized James' voice.

I sighed, "Fine. Come in."

James and Laurent walked through my door. I sat back in my chair as they sat on the couch beside the bookshelf.

"What's up?" I asked impatiently.

"A bakery just opened up on Bloor street." James said.

"Bloor street? Really," I said, "Well, I guess we can pay the shop a little visit. Sell some protection insurance."

They chuckled, "Today was the grand opening. We can swing by there tomorrow."

I nodded, "Sounds good to me. Just please don't act like jackasses though. Just go in there, explain our policies, and collect. Easy and simple."

"No problem, boss. We'll get right on it."

"Good, now get the hell out of my office. I've got work to do."

They left, and I hoped those jackasses would keep it professional. I really hated sloppy jobs.

Bella's POV

The second day was just as successful as the first. I was surprised, and happy.

"Maggie you can head on home. I got this." I said.

"Okay, sounds good. I'll see you tomorrow, Bella."

"See you tomorrow."

As I watched her walk down the street for a minute before my oven started beeping very loudly. I gasped and ran to the kitchen to pull out the specialty cake for a birthday party. I got it just in time, it hadn't been burnt.

I sat it on the cooling rack to let it cool off then walked back into the front room and finish cleaning up. When I walked passed the door, there were two men standing in the front room. I jumped a little in surprise.

"Oh, um I'm sorry I'm closed." I said, staying behind the counter.

"Don't worry," The man with long blonde hair said, "We're just here to sell some protection insurance."

I gulped, "That's okay, I already have insurance."

"I don't think you understand," The man with dreads walked to the table with a decorative flower vase on it, "See, we sell insurance so nothing like this," He knocked the table over, breaking the vase and scattering my flowers on the floor, "Ever happens to your cute little store."

"Or bigger accidents. Like broken windows, or a fire." The blond said, taking out a lighter.

I started to shake, "Uh, o-okay."

"Alright." The man with dreads smiled widely and clapped his hands together, "Our policy is a thousand dollars at the end of the month. But you have to give us a down payment first. Since you seem like a nice little girl, we'll let you pay eight hundred tonight."

"And our accident policy will cover you until you decide to sell the building." The blond said, "So, do you have the down payment tonight? Or do we need to come back tomorrow and collect?"

My hands were shaking, "I-I just took my money out of the register and put it in the safe in the back. L-let me go get it."

"We'll wait right here." The man with dreads said.

I nodded and walked into the kitchen. I looked at my money and saw that I only had eight hundred left, after paying for ingredients and everything. If I gave this too them, I'd have nothing.

I looked over to see the gun, sitting on the counter. Maybe it was very stupid, but either I gave them all the money I had, or I tried threatening them. Okay, I was very stupid, but I wasn't going to let anyone bully me or ruin my dream.

I grabbed the gun, turned to safety off, then walked out.

"Get the fuck out of my store," I yelled.

Their eyes widened, they went to reach for something, and I started shooting.

"Whoa! Are you crazy!" The one with dreads asked as he stumbled backwards.

"I said get out! Now!"

I shot again at their feet, just barely missing their shoes.

"Oh shit, come on." The blond said, grabbing his companion's arm and tugging him, "We'll be back, you crazy bitch."

I shot again, and this time, I shot him right in the leg. He screamed loudly and grabbed the spot where I had shot. He was bleeding heavily.

"Holy fuck! You shot me!"

The man with dreads grabbed the blond by the arm and dragged him out of the store. I ran to the door and locked it. I was shaking, and I felt sick to my stomach.

I was in complete shock. I couldn't believe what had just happened. I looked at the blood on my floor and sunk down to the ground.

So, today was the big grand opening. And the day she met the thugs who terrorize Bloor Street. Do you think Bella should've shot them? Or just paid? Let me know in your reviews! I love to hear from you guys!