"So, these are special apples, Papa?" Marinette asked her father as he stirred the pot of caramel. "Yes, I only get one shipment a year on Valentine's Day. Mama and I are so happy because your finally old enough to help with the caramel." "What do you want me to do?" Marinette asked, watching her father with rapt attention. She may want to be a fashion designer in the future, but her father was a artist in his own right. "You can help dip the apples," he said, setting the bowl down in front of her. Marinette giggled as she peered into the bowl. "Papa, that's not caramel! Its pink!" "Ah, that's a little secret, but I assure you it tastes just like caramel."
Marinette dipped the first apple in slowly, not wanting to mess up. "Look, I did it!" she beamed proudly at her father. "Good job, honey. How about you keep working while I check on Mama up front?" Marinette hesitated, wanting her father to stay with her. But checking on Mama was important so she didn't get overwhelmed. "Okay," she said. Papa kissed her forehead. "That's my good girl."
Winter sunlight shone through the back kitchen, making the room seem to glow. Marinette wiped her brow after the fifth apple, it was hard work! Though she loved helping her parents, and in turn they supported her sewing and drawing. A knock at the door made Marinette nearly drop on the apples into the caramel. Curious, she stepped down from her stool and peeked through the door. Of course, it was Cat Noir. Cat came nearly everyday to play with her and he liked the bakery as well.
"Hey, Marinette. What are you doing?" Cat asked, as she let him inside. "Helping Papa make Caramel Heart Apples. You know, for Valentine's Day?" "Cool. Can I watch?" Marinette nodded, stepping back up on her stool.
Cat watched for awhile, but as always the sun worked its magic and Cat yawned and wandered over to a sun patch to take a nap. Even if he was asleep, Marinette liked having the company. She glanced at the bin of apples Papa had given her. Just a few to go.
After she finished, she took two of the hardened apples up front to show her father. "Papa, I got the apples done, eek!" Marinette felt a tug at one of the apples she was holding, and turned to see Cat munching away. "Mm, you can really taste the caramel," Cat grinned. "Cat, those are for the customers!" she wailed. "Its okay, Marinette. Cat can be the first taste taster." "I give it two paws up," Cat grinned.
"You can run along and play, Marinette," her mother said. "Thanks for being my special little helper today," Papa said, holding out a fist. Marinette bumped knuckles with him, and gave him a hug. "Come on, Cat, lets go make some Valentines!"
Grabbing his hand, the two best friends ran out of the bakery laughing. Though the image of Marinette and her father bumping knuckles stayed with Cat, unknown to him he would use the same gesture in the future with a very special Lady.