a/n
Thanks to all you wonderful people who have read this story so far! I noticed some spelling errors in my last chapter (that'll happen when you write at 3AM) so I went back and changed them. Here's chapter 3!

Chapter 3

When Ella returned home, she was as cheerful as a new spring bird. Yes, her stepmother had scolded her for taking such a long time and yes, no one in the household had even bothered to thank her for fetching all of the requested items, but Ella didn't care a bit. She was very happy to have made a new friend.

Later that night, she prepared dinner for the Lady Tremaine and her daughters. She had crafted a fine soup and she would be paring each bowl with a slice of bread. As Ella placed everything ever-so-perfectly on her serving tray to be taken upstairs to the dining room, she couldn't help but feel a tad bit unusual when it came time to place the bread. It was something strange, but now that she knew the hands that had baked the bread, it seemed like an entirely different food. She thought, for just a moment, about those hands. About the outstretched hand reaching down for her to help her up off the floor, a strong yet soft hand, caked white with baking flour. She thought about how her own hands felt when she shook his, learning his name. She thought about possible opportunities in the future where she just may be able feel those hands in hers again...

The sound of the upstairs family ringing the service bells awoke Ella from her brief mental wanderings. The girl shook her head suddenly. What had gotten into her? She was supposed to be serving dinner, not daydreaming about some random person she'd just only met. Ella scolded herself and placed the bread. She was still a bit uneasy about it, as this loaf seemed almost to good for the Lady Tremaine, Drisella, and Anastasia, for the person who had made it was a far better person. However, Ella remembered her mother's wishes, and served the bread anyway.

Greyson was cleaning the bakery after a solid day's work. However, he was not doing a very good job of it, as his mind was constantly wandering off to that girl he had met today, to Ella. Greyson remembered when she came into the bakery. He was setting up a new display when he heard the door open. He had looked up to see a stunning young woman with beautiful golden hair, her arms absolutely filled with groceries. At first, he had thought himself rather rude for staring, but there was just something about her that forced his attention.

Then, he watched her fall.

He remembered being startled at her tumble. He also remembered feeling his heart sink a little when he saw the hopeless look on her face. How miserable she was! Greyson had never seen such a beautiful face appear so unhappy.

As he cleaned his dishes, Greyson thought back to when he offered her the eggs. Why was she so reluctant to accept his offer? He had plenty of eggs to spare - he was a baker after all, so why was she so timid? She had looked as if she was surprised at the gesture. Nevertheless, Greyson couldn't help but hope he'd see that girl walk into his shop again one day.

Ella made sure to tell the mice all about her adventures in the village as they ate their dinner together. She couldn't help but smile as she bit into the bread.

Days passed and life carried on as usual. Ella was up to her neck in chores. She had to iron Drisella and Anastasia's dresses, shine Lady Tremaine's shoes, feed their nasty cat Lucifer, dust the living room, feed the livestock, make the beds, wash the linens, and prepare countless meals. However, one day she was very excited to do a certain chore.

"Cinderella!" Her stepmother had ordered. Ella braced herself for whatever new labor Tremaine had in store for her. Her stepmother looked at her cooly. "Ella dear, I need you to head out into the village to pick up some rolls to go with our dinner as well as some nice English pastries," the snake-like woman said in a condescending manner. "Do you think you can handle that?"

Ella tried her best to hide her excitement. She'd get to see her new friend! She put on a calm face. "Yes, Madam." She replied simply. Tremaine then shooed her off. Ella grabbed her basket and practically skipped out the door.

Greyson was in the kitchen of the bakery when he heard the door to the shop open. Another customer. The baker put down his dough and went out to the counter. To his utter delight, he saw a familiar face smiling back at him.

"Miss Ella!" He exclaimed a bit too loudly. He immediately felt embarrassed for the sudden burst. He was just so happy to see her in his shop again. "Um, how can I help you?" He asked much much quieter.

Ella giggled at his volume change, as she too was excited. It had been some time since she had a true friend. "Mr. Fitz!" She beamed, "I would very much like to purchase some dinner rolls and English pastries.

Greyson smiled coyly. "Well," he said, "I hate to brag, but I do believe I happen to make the most delicious pastries in all of town."

Ella laughed, "I'm sure you do."

After she had purchased the rolls and the pastries, which really were the finest in town Ella turned to leave, for she knew how long the typical bread run was supposed to last and she knew that if she overspent that time she would be scolded, or worse, deemed too slow to venture out on any more runs. "Goodbye, ." She said with obvious faux-cheer in her voice. How she wished she could stay and chat! She didn't know why, but she held this feeling in her gut that told her that she and Greyson could carry on a conversation for a very long time if they so desired, that is, if he also wished for her to stay longer.

Her inner conflict was affirmed. "Wait!" Greyson interrupted, a bit of confusion hung in his voice. "Would you, I mean, if you would like to..." He was fumbling with his words. "Well, miss," he finally got out with it, "I was kind of hoping you might stay and chat. I've baked the most delicious strawberry pie," he said, gesturing to the kitchen. "I figured, if you wanted to stay for a bit longer, I could share a slice with you." Immediately after he said it, Greyson felt foolish, especially when he saw the conflicted reaction on Ella's face.

/Look what you've done!/ he thought, /you've said too much and you've made her uncomfortable./ He tried to hide how red his face must've been, as red as the strawberries, so it seemed.

Ella felt her heart swell at his offer. She wanted nothing more than to stay at this shop for hours, eating strawberry pie and telling stories. It seemed like an offer too good to be true. As she looked at Greyson, she noted how bashful he appeared. She noted how his brown eyes seemed to shine as he made the suggestion, only to flint away from her gaze the minute the words were spoken. Ella knew that she could not say yes to his invitation. She was needed back at the household, and Lady Tremaine would grow suspicious of her actions if she was out for two long. Then, Ella hatched an idea of her own.

"Mr. Fitz," she started. Greyson's head looked up to her voice. "While I would love nothing more than to say and chat, I'm afraid my services are much required at home and I simply cannot stay." She watched the baker smile sadly. He nodded in understanding. "However, if you would allow it," Ella continued slowly. "I think I have have some time later this evening to stop by, perhaps once my household is asleep. Maybe then, I can come over and we can share that pie." Ella suggested bravely. She could sneak out. She'd be as quiet as her mice friends. Drisella snored so loud that no one would hear her anyway.

Greyson felt his heart flutter at her suggestion. She was willing to come back to town later, in the night, just for him! Or, maybe it was for the pie. Either way, Greyson was delighted. "That sounds lovely, Miss Ella," He beamed.

Ella was giddy with excitement. She adjusted her grip on her basket and made her way to the door. "Alright then." She said matter-of-factly. "I will see you tonight, " and with that, she promptly left.