Edward Part 2

It has been two weeks since that party. For some reason Edward never left my mind. I think about how he is doing or what is he doing now or has he checked out Revance at all. I don't know why I kept thinking like this. I really need to focus on the reality.

"Marika, are you okay?" my boss, Shirley, asked as I was preparing to mop the floor of the bakery. "You better not be slacking."

"I never slack." I said, dipping the mop into the bucket of soapy water.

"I hope so." she said, getting closer to the door. "Oh, hey, Marika, I got these tickets that are about to expire. You want them?"

"What are they for?" I asked.

"Some opera. I don't like opera, but I have a feeling you do." Shirley handed me the tickets. The tickets are really for an opera that's happening in three days.

"What were these for anyway? A contest or something?" I said, putting the tickets in my pocket.

"Yeah. I thought it would bring some business, but I guess not. Remember to lock up after you're done." she said, leaving the bakery. ' So I have two tickets and three kids. None of them like opera and I have no friends to go with. Man, I want to go. I like the opera.' I thought to myself as I cleaned the bakery slowly.

It was the next day and I have decided if any of the kids want to go. I should at least try right?

"No." the twins said in unison and Kai shaking his head no.

"Oh, come on. It's an experience!" I said.

"Aunty, you like opera. None of us like it. How about you go by yourself?" Naruki said, eating his toast.

"I can't leave you guys alone. I do that too much already."

"Aunty, you need a break once in awhile. Go with a friend. We will be fine without you for another night." Haru spoke with her mouth full of cereal.

"What did I say about talking with your mouth full?" I sighed. "Anyway, are you sure you guys will be fine?"

"Of course! We remember the plan you made when we are alone." Naru wiped the crumbs off his sister's face.

"That's only for work." I retorted.

"Now for outings. Aunt Marika, you ain't getting any younger and besides, a break every now and then will not harm anyone." Naru crossed his arms.

"But, what if Miss Saturns comes knocking? What if I didn't pay the rent in full so Roger kicks us out! What if-"

"Okay, no more what ifs, Aunty." Haru interrupted. "We will be fine. Go have fun with whoever you'll go with." she smiled. I sighed as I gave myself a headache. 'Well, they are letting me go do stuff a single, young, adult girl would do…' I broke into a smile. 'My kids are great. Not many kids would do this. I'm lucky to have them.'

"Alright, you guys win." I gave up.

"Yay!" the twins cheered and Kai throwing his hands up. I laughed and ruffled and kissed each of their heads.

Night of the Opera….

'Boy, I've haven't worn a dress that I wasn't forced into for ages.' I thought to myself, sitting in the middle of the seats that are directly facing the stage. I wore a cream colored short dress with fluffy sleeves, matching ballet shoes and hand purse. I have to wear something elegant for something like this. I can't wear jeans and a band shirt to something like this. But, unfortunately, I still look like the poorest person here. Everyone here is wearing expensive, over-the-top clothing I have ever seen. Some of them even scoff at my outfit.

'I wished I had someone with me, though. It's kind of boring being alone.' All my friends have jobs or families so I didn't bother asking them. We also haven't talked since I've dropped out of college so it would be awkward to talk to them anyway. My kids did let me have a fun night, but with no one to talk to, it's kind of a bored. All well, it's better like this so I can go home straight afterward. Maybe getting the kids some ice cream before going home?

Then the lights turned down signalling that the show was about to begin.

…..

'Oh my god, that was amazing!' I wiped the tears with my white handkerchief after the opera ended. Three hours of this is totally worth it. I waited for everyone to leave so I wouldn't have to push my way through them. Also just to absorb the emotions of the opera.

It was about a couple pulled away by their families. The man was a prince and the other was a poor girl. It was a mediocre concept but the ending though! The mother of the Prince frames the couple for treason and then sends them to the guillotine! I tried so hard not to make a whimper watching that scene. As I got up to leave, someone bumped into me, making me drop my handkerchief.

"Oops, sorry." a fat, rich looking man snickered with his mistress as they walked away.

"Oh dear, you could have catched the poor." the mistress chuckled.

"Oh, you're right!" he laughed as they left the auditorium. I rolled my eyes and then went to pick up my handkerchief until someone picked it up for me.

"Thank you! I said, surprised that someone was willing to do that. I looked up to see who it was and I gasped.

"It is all dirty now. How rude of them." Edward said in a disappointing tone. "I'm sorry if it is dirty, beautiful rose." he said, handing it to me.

"Don't...don't worry about that. I can wash it." I said, stumbling on my words as I take it back and put it in my purse.

"It's been awhile, hasn't it. I didn't expect to see you. Do you like opera?" he asked with that bright smile of his.

"I love opera." I answer a bit too quickly. He chuckled and then narrow his eyes.

"I do too. Would…" he said, slightly standing straighter. "Would you like to discuss it with me?" he asked.

"Yes!" I answered hastily again. He chuckled again and the escorted me out of the building. As we got out my stomach started to rumble. How embarrassing.

"Are you hungry? Should we go somewhere to eat?" he asked. Going somewhere might bring trouble to him. I don't want to do that. Then the thought of the bakery came into mind.

"I actually know a place get some sweets. We can eat outside since it's such a nice night!" I said. He nodded and we went into his car and his driver drove us to the bakery I mentioned.

"'Cakes Delight'?" Edward read the sign out loud. "I have never heard of this place? Is it good?" h asked.

"It's very good." I said, leading the way inside.

"Welcome!" Shirley shouted over the counter. When she spotted us she gave me a weird look. "Oh, Marika! I thought you were at the opera." she said, looking back and forth between me and the Prince. "Did you go a costume party? That guy looks like Prince Edward."

"Oh I get that a lot, ma'am." Edward bowed his head. 'Wow, he is a quick one.' I went up to the counter and asked for raspberry macarons and two chocolate muffins.

"There are over there, they were fresh about three hours ago, but business is slow nowadays." she said as I got them.

"Well not a lot of people know that your bakery is the best." I said. Shirley stared at me with a smile.

"Flattery doesn't get you out of work tomorrow." she said, ringing up the register.

"Well, I tried." I said paying for the sweets. "Do I least get a discount?"

"You did until you tried to get out of work so...no." she said, taking the money. "Did you learn a lesson?"

"I didn't know it was a lesson. Was it flattery will not get you anywhere in life?"

"That will do." she said, giving me change.

"How is that not the lesson?" I asked.

"You figure it out. Now, leave. It is time to lock up now. See you tomorrow night." she said. Edward and I waved goodbye as we left the bakery.

"You two seem close." he asked as we got into the car.

"She's my boss." I said, buckling in.

"You work there!" he gasped.

"I'm a night janitor…" I said with an awkward smile. I don't really want to say it, but I'm sure he was going to ask anyway and I shouldn't lie either.

"Louis, to the usual spot." Edward ordered the driver. The driver, Louis, gave a nodded and drove us to a little creak in a park across town. We got out of the car and sat on two large rocks, facing the creek. "Have you've been here before?" he asked, taking the chocolate muffin out of the bag.

"To this park, yes. This creek, no. I didn't even know it existed." I said, also taking a chocolate muffin.

"Not many people know there is a creek here. I come here sometimes to think." he takes a bite of the muffin and his eyes went wide. "This is are delicious!" he exclaimed.

"I know right. I always get the chocolate muffins or the raspberry macaroons." he tried the macaroons with his half eaten muffin in his other hand. He kind of looked like a child. It was really cute.

"These macaroons have a light taste so it isn't so strong. There's just enough sugar that doesn't get rid of the light taste. It's marvelous!" I laughed at his explanation.

"You, sir, are right on the money." I said, taking another bite out of my muffin.

"So, you really work there?" he said, reminding me of the other conversation that made us quiet on the way here.

"Yeah, I do. I get these a lot after a job well done time to time so it's kind of convenient to work there." I said.

"It must be hard. Does it make you happy?" he asked. I stopped midway of taking another bite. Nobody has ever asked me that. I don't really know what to say. "I'm sorry! Was that rude to me to ask?"

"Oh, no! It's just...nobody has ask me that before." I said, putting the muffin down on my lap. "I mean. I don't think any one is happy having a job like that, but if you need money than yes."

"Are you in dire need of money?" he asked. He sound off, asking that question, but I wasn't bothered too much.

"Of course. But, I don't need anymore than that. As long as I am comfortable than I am the most happiest girl in the world." I have three jobs. A convenient store employee, a waitress at a famous restaurant, and a janitor at a small bakery. I don't have my dream job and I probably never will, but taking care of my three kids is where I am the most happiest. I don't have a large house, I don't have a car, I don't have the latest stuff like everyone else has, but I don't need it. All I need is my kids and money to use to take care of them. Pay for school, food, a place to call home. That's all I will ever need.

"Wow…" Edward stared at me in awe. "I've never heard anything like that before. Usually, others want so many things that are unnecessary. They waste their money away just to flaunt it around. It's terrible sight to watch."

"There are probably some, but not all. You're not like that." I said, smiling. "You've haven't done that once. I know this is like the second or third time we've met judging by your character, you don't flaunt around. You're more...down to earth."

"I've never been told that before. Thank you." he smiled. It was a smile I've never seen before and I blush. Then a chilly breeze blew, making me shiver. He takes his scarf around his neck and puts it around mine. "I really want to give you my jacket, but it is a rule I must follow."

"It's fine. I wouldn't want you to get in trouble." I said, feeling the nice fabric of the scarf. "How would I give this back to you?"

"Come to my home anytime." he said, touching the top of my head. "I'll be there." he said.

"Your Highness." Louis called out. "Your father just called. He wants you to come home." Edward sighed and got up from the rock. He stretches his hand out to me and I take it gently. When I got up and let go Edward didn't. He gripped my hand tightly and I held it again, doing the same.

….

After we said our goodbyes I went up to my floor and grinned to myself. 'This was such an elegant night. I am even invited to his place. No! Snap out of it! It's only to give his scarf back.' I gripped his scarf held it close. 'It smells just like him…'

I got my floor and discover Miss Saturns standing there with that usual disapproving face.

"How long were you gone?" she asked, tapping heel.

"I don't know." I answered back monotonously, walking towards the door behind her.

"Where have you been?"

"I don't know." I was unlocking the door.

"Are your kids home?"

"No." I said and then slammed the door on her face.

Hey everyone, ClaretheBear here! I just wanted to say thank you guys soo much for your support. A lot of you are excited for Edward's story and I am too. I have been planning him for a while now so I am happy to get him out there. Thank you, again, for all of your support.

See you next time!