Hey! Hope you enjoy this next chapter. Bit of language, so just beware.

See chapter one for the disclaimer.

06/03

We had our first batch of made-to orders today! So normally the pie factory just ship the pies out to shops and the customers order them there [unless they're talking animals. Then they're refused service] I contacted all the shops to let them know that that stupid rule was definitely out the window and they were to serve talking animals or else feel my wrath. They agreed. Obviously.

Anyway, today we had the swan from the restaurant come in today with her cygnets. She came in the front entrance looking like she was considering running out. I was working the front desk with Baby, so I said brightly. "Hi, can I help you?"

She swallowed and said, hesitantly. "I'd like to order, please?"

I could see Baby opening his stupid mouth to tell her we didn't take orders, but I elbowed him before saying to the customer. "Sure, no problem. What would you like?"

"Well..." The swan said, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks. "I know it's not technically on your menu, but I was wondering - what with the new change of management - if you'd consider doing a large Pondweed and Hornwort pie?"

"How large?"

"Big enough to feed myself and this lot." She said, indicating her 6 cygnets.

I nodded and we agreed further stuff about the crust and topping. After she left Baby tapped me on the shoulder.

"Goldi, I thought we didn't do made-to orders?"

I shrugged. "There's no harm in trying in, is there? Might help make us different from the old Horner business."

"Fair enough, but do we have to do Pondwater and Hornwort? It's gonna stink."

I rolled my eyes and elbowed him in the side. "What do YOU think, Baby?"

Anyway, Mama was thrilled when we told her about the swans order and started talking about doing special pies for children.

"What, like small ones?" Baby asked, stupidly. I cast my eyes up to the heavens. I do worry about Baby sometimes.

Mama said yes and we could put 'fun fillings' in them.

"Mama, what are 'fun fillings'?" I asked, in exasperation.

"We could put streamers in 'em." Papa said, making me jump. For such a big guy he's pretty light-footed.

Baby burst out laughing and even me and Mama cracked a smile. Then Papa said. "How's Rosemary feel about it?"

Flip. I knew I was forgetting something. Rosemary has not warmed up to us in the past week and turns her nose up at us whenever we approach her. Annoyingly she's the one just behind us in terms of seniority, so we have to tell her stuff.

Sure enough she was not thrilled. "We don't do made-to orders." She said, stiffly.

"Why not?" I shot back.

She blinked clearly taken aback, and said. "W-well, we just...haven't. Mr Horner didn't like the idea that the customers could order for themselves. He wanted to have complete control."

I told her, in no uncertain terms, that that was the most stupidest idea I ever heard.

"We've had a lot of orders." Rosemary said.

"Yeah, because there's no competition!" I snapped. "That's why! Not cos people love the place!"

"We get repeat orders."

"Again - there's no competition."

"Well, if we change we might lose some of those repeat customers."

I scoffed. "Listen, love, if those customers are anything like Jack Horner then they hate Talking Animals, so I don't give a flying-" I caught Mama's eye and swiftly said. "-fish." Baby laughed and I stood on his foot. "Shut up! Anyway, so we can lose them. We need to attract new customers."

Rosemary stuck her nose further in the air. "Well, in that case you can do it without me. I quit!" And with that she stalked off.

"Good riddance!" I yelled after her.

We don't need her anyway. She was holding the place back. Downside is we're going to have to find a replacement.

Shit.