Estimated Reading Time: 24 Minutes

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The Clone

As Nate clocked in for his first day on the job, he couldn't help but feel a wave of excitement. A bright smile lit up his face as he caught sight of his new boss, Boris, standing near the entrance.

Boris was a big man with a cheerful, ruddy face, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he beamed warmly in Nate's direction. His smile was broad and jolly, creating a genuine friendliness that made Nate feel instantly welcomed, as though he'd known him for years.

Boris: "Nate, my boy, are ya ready to start bakin'?"

Nate: "Yes!"

Boris: "Alright, I'll hand you a cook book and let's get started."

Boris patiently walked Nate through the basics, starting with a tour of the place and a step-by-step demonstration of the kitchen setup. He showed Nate where each utensil and appliance was kept, emphasizing the importance of order and cleanliness.

Nate wasn't the fastest learner—his movements a bit tentative, his brow furrowed as he tried to keep up. Boris repeated each step a few more times, never losing his warm demeanor, until he saw a hint of confidence light up in Nate's eyes. With a reassuring pat on the back, Boris smiled, "You're getting there, Nate. Just take it one step at a time."

The kitchen buzzed with a comforting rhythm as Boris and Nate began their baking session. Flour dusted the countertops, and the warm, yeasty scent of dough filled the air as they worked side by side, kneading in sync. The upbeat pulse of eighties rock played softly in the background, a new genre Nate had just discovered and immediately loved. He found himself humming along, matching Boris's energy as they laughed and shared stories.

Boris: "Ah, you like this type of music?"

Nate: "I guess I do. What is this genre called."

Boris: "Eighties rock."

Nate: "I like it."

Boris: "I'm surprised. Usually kids your age don't take a likin' to the classics."

Nate: "Really? But it's sooo good."

Boris: "I knew I liked you the moment I interviewed ya."

Nate: "Thanks~"

Nate moved a bit slowly as he shaped and prepared the bakery goods, his focus on getting each step just right. Boris picked up the pace, doubling down on his tasks to keep them on schedule. The hours stretched on, with Boris occasionally swooping in to lend a hand, guiding Nate through the more complex parts of the process.

By late afternoon, they found themselves racing against the clock, but Boris's steady determination—and a few well-timed jokes to lighten the mood—kept them going. Finally, as the sun began to rise, they stepped back to admire their fully stocked display.

Boris: "We did it!"

Nate: "Yeah *huffs* we did."

Boris: "Already tired?"

Nate: "It's like seven in the morning. Of course I'm tired."

Boris: "You'll get used to it."

Nate: "I know, but right now, it sucks."

Boris: "Do you go to bed late?"

Nate: "Yeah, like two in the morning late."

Boris: "Geez, I always go to bed at nine."

Nate: "Whaaat."

Boris: "I wake up at four in the mornin' and I get here at five."

Nate: "Do you get enough sleep?"

Boris: "Probably not, but I got used to it. It's all worth it to keep this bakery goin'."

Nate: "Damn, I could never."

Boris: "You're about to."

Nate: "Ugh, don't remind me. I gotta go to bed at like ten. That's way too early."

Boris: "Hey, at least you get your eight hours."

Nate: "True."

For the rest of the shift, Nate took his place at the register, ringing up orders with a growing sense of ease. The customers here were nothing like the ones back at Mach Pizza. Most were kind, soft-spoken, and often elderly couples who exchanged warm smiles and friendly small talk.

Their genuine gratitude and gentle manners felt worlds apart from the hurried, impatient crowd he'd dealt with at his old job. By the end of the day, Nate couldn't help but think, This job is already a hundred times better than that stupid pizza place.

Though he'd never admit it, Nate did miss chatting with Trey and Ben. Working alongside them at Mach Pizza had brought its fair share of laughs, and they always had some joke or ridiculous story to share. Here, it was just him and Boris—a fine setup, sure, but Boris didn't have the same laid-back sense of humor that Trey and Ben did. Nate found himself missing their goofy banter and the inside jokes that had made even the busiest shifts a little more bearable.

Nate: "Say, what times does this bakery close?"

Boris: "We close at six."

Nate: "Wow, that's actually late for a bakery."

Boris: "Trust me, people love gettin' their bakery sweets around five."

Nate: "Really?"

Boris: "That's usually when the young adults are off work. They want somethin' sweet to treat themselves after a long day of sufferin'."

Nate: "Hahaha! When you put it like that…"

Boris: "I hope you're not sufferin' here, o-ho-ho-ho~"

Nate: "No, of course not. Although I am sleepy."

Boris: "I guess you're sufferin' a little after all."

Nate: "No! I promise I love it here."

Boris: "Don't worry, my boy, I'm just messin' with ya."

Nate: "Oh, hahaha! Not bad, old man."

Boris: "Old?"

Nate: "You heard me~"

Boris: "You won't be laughin' once the wrinkles start showin' o-ho-ho-ho!"

Nate: "True. Oh, uh by the way, the pound cake is running low. Should we make more?"

Boris: "It's slow right now. Why not?"

Nate and Boris had just started prepping a new batch of pound cakes, the rhythmic sounds of mixing and measuring filling the kitchen, when suddenly, the bell at the front chimed. They paused, exchanging a quick glance. "I'll get it," Nate reassured.

Nate walked up to the front counter and spotted an elderly lady standing there, her small frame wrapped in a cozy knit shawl. She returned his smile with a gentle one of her own, her eyes crinkling kindly. "What can I getcha?" he asked warmly, leaning on the counter just a bit.

The lady looked over the display, taking her time, before saying, "Oh, just a small pound cake, dear. My husband can't get enough of em."

Nate: "Oh, sorry. We ran out."

Customer: "Aww fish paste."

Nate: "But we're making some right now. Come back in an hour."

Customer: "Ok, I'll be back. See you later, dear."

The lady came back in an hour and was delighted to have a freshly baked pound cake. She gave them a tip and left the establishment.

The rest of the shift was calm, a steady hum of tasks without any big surprises. Most of the night slipped by quietly, just the usual routine. Nate left at two, which felt strange. At his first job, he'd always been a closer, finishing out the late hours. Seeing him head out early instead of sticking around until the end felt out of place, like there was a piece missing from the familiar rhythm of the night.

But it was nice for him to have this extra time. He headed back home. When he walked in, he found Tracy on the couch, comfortably settled with her phone, the soft glow of the screen illuminating her face while the low murmur of the TV filled the background. She looked up, surprised to see him this early, and smiled, the evening suddenly feeling a bit fuller, more relaxed.

Tracy: "Whoa! You're already back from work?"

Nate: "Yeah, I get off at two now."

Tracy: "How does that feel?"

Nate: "Ugh, honestly I'm super tired, but also I feel like I have more time."

Tracy: "Waking up early is the worst."

Nate: "I dunno how you do it."

Tracy: "I dunno either."

Nate: "Well, I'm gonna head to my room. Holler if ya need me."

Tracy: "Wait! I wanna talk to you about my day."

Nate: "I would stay, Trace, but I'm exhausted."

Tracy: "Aww, how about later?"

Nate: "Later for sure."

Tracy: "Ok, bye…"

Nate waved, he mouthed the words, "sorry" as he walked upstairs. Once he entered his room, he immediately plopped on the bed. Ah, home sweet home he thought to himself.

He closed his eyes and lay there for a while, letting his thoughts drift as he rested. His mind kept circling back to the bakery job. Baking was actually kinda fun.

He remembered making pizza with Trey and realized it wasn't too surprising he'd enjoy working with dough, shaping it, watching it rise. Decorating was the best part, though. He thought of the cute little designs he could create, imagining details and patterns, and knew Boris would probably love the ideas as much as he did.

Ding!

His eyes shot open. He rolled to his side and grabbed his phone that was under his pillow.

[- Trey

DM

Trey: sup bro my partys tonight if u wanna come

Nate: yeah! im down

Trey: alright coo it starts at 8 but honestly show up wehenver

Nate: i'll be there at 8

…

Nate got up and threw on some casual clothes—a tank top under a jacket, paired with loose jeans. He sprayed a bit of cologne, then ran a comb through his hair, hoping for a smooth, tidy look. But as usual, it sprang right back to its usual fluffy mess. With a small shrug, he decided to let it be, and headed downstairs, embracing his naturally carefree style.

He saw Tracy still downstairs on her phone. When she heard him, she turned around with a big smile on her face.

Tracy: "Heyyy."

Nate: "Sup."

Tracy: "Where're ya goin'?"

Nate: "To a party."

Tracy: "Can I come?"

Nate: "No. There's probably gonna be some alcohol."

Tracy: "So."

Nate: "So no."

Tracy: "Aww, c'mon. Who cares."

Nate: "Sorry, Trace. This is my friend's party. You probably won't even know anyone there anyway."

Tracy: "Uuugghhh."

Nate: "Just go hang out with your boyfriend."

Tracy: "I can't. He's hanging out with friends too…"

Nate: "Damn. Well, don't you have other friends?"

Tracy: "Yeah."

Nate: "Call em or somethin'."

Tracy: "But I always talk to them. I wanna hang out with you."

Nate: "We'll hang out later."

Tracy: "You better."

Nate: "I will. It's kinda hard to ignore you when we live in the same household."

Tracy: "You still managed when you got fired."

Nate: "I didn't ignore you."

Tracy: "You basically did."

Nate: "We watched tv together all the time."

Tracy: "Yeah, but you were quiet."

Nate: "I was depressed. What'd you expect?"

Tracy: "Hmph!"

Nate: "You can't blame me haha! I got fired."

Tracy: "You're right. Sorry, I just miss talkin' to you about whatever for hours."

Nate: "C'mon, it's not like I'm going away forever."

Tracy: "I'm clingyyy."

Nate: "We'll hang out later.

Tracy: "you better."

Nate: *Chuckles* "See ya."

He left, pulling the door shut softly behind him, the latch clicking. Following the directions Trey had given, he navigated the winding streets until he began to pick up on the faint sound of music, growing louder as he approached. It wasn't difficult to spot which one was Trey's house.

With a deep breath, he walked up the front steps and knocked. After a moment, the door swung open, and Trey appeared with a wide grin. "Sup, bro!" Trey's voice rose over the music. The two dapped each other up, and Trey happily invited Nate inside.

The room held only a handful of people, no more than three, scattered comfortably in relaxed postures. Though he was unfamiliar with any of their faces, there was a quiet warmth to their presence, as if each person carried a calm, laid-back energy that filled the space.

Trey placed a reassuring hand on Nate's shoulder, his smile wide and encouraging. "Come on, don't be nervous. Introduce yourself." The warmth in Trey's voice gave Nate a bit of confidence. He nodded and made his way to the couch, sinking into the cushion beside a laid-back guy who gave him a welcoming nod.

"Sup, I'm Nate," he said, his voice carrying a casual, easygoing tone as he settled into the vibe of the group. He leaned back slightly, keeping his demeanor cool.

Trey: "This is my chill friend I met at work."

The group responded warmly, each taking a moment to introduce themselves, and soon the room buzzed with lighthearted conversation and laughter. They were starting to get into a relaxed rhythm when a sudden knock at the door interrupted them. Trey sighed, rolling his eyes with an almost amused exasperation—he already knew exactly who it was.

He got up, muttering something under his breath as he crossed the room. When he swung the door open, there stood Ben, grinning in that familiar, almost mischievous way.

Trey: "Sup, bro."

Ben: "Treeyyyy! Oh! And is that Nate I see?"

Nate: "Sup, dude."

Ben: "Thank god there's a familiar face."

Ben strolled in, immediately making himself at home as he dropped onto the couch beside the brunet. The two exchanged a quick, practiced bro handshake, their hands clasping with a familiar rhythm that spoke to years of friendship. Ben's grin widened as he took in the new faces around him, and one by one, the rest of the group offered friendly introductions.

As the others continued their animated conversations in the living room, Trey motioned for Nate and Ben to follow him to the dining area. They slipped away quietly, leaving the hum of laughter and chatter behind.

Ben: "Whoa, is that hot chick, you're girl, Trey?"

Trey: "Bruh…"

Ben: "What, payin' a compliment. I'm not tryin' to smash."

Trey: "Yeah, her name is Savanna."

Ben: "Damn, ok, Trey, I see you~"

Trey: "Anyway, I'mma order some pizza, which kind you want?"

Ben: "You know my fave."

Nate: "You're payin' it alone?"

Trey: "I get a discount so it's no big deal."

Nate: "I miss the discount…"

Ben: "Huh? Did you get fired or somethin'?"

Nate: "Yeah…"

Trey: "Unfairly too."

Ben: "Wait, you got fired?!"

Nate: "Yep."

Ben: "Why?"

Trey: "You know how Kimberly is."

Ben: "Yeah, but Nate? I thought she had a soft spot for him."

Trey: "Uh…"

Nate: "She uh—I told her I didn't wanna do service anymore. I was pretty aggressive about it and she didn't take that lightly."

Ben: "Damn, what a bitch."

Trey: "I told ya."

Ben: "I'd still smash though."

Nate: "I wouldn't…"

Ben: "What! You agreed with me before."

Nate: "I realized how ugly of a person she is."

Ben: "Damn."

Nate: "Besides, it's fine. I got a new job."

Ben: "What! Where at?"

Nate: "I work at a bakery."

Trey: "Lemme guess, Onett's Finest Bakery?"

Nate: "How'd you know?"

Trey: "It's the only bakery in town."

Nate: "This town is kinda small."

"This town borin' as fuck," Trey muttered, tapping away on his phone as he placed a pizza order.

Nate: "Did you order pineapple?"

Trey: "You know it~"

?: "Hey, it's a little party over here."

As the three boys chatted, they glanced up, momentarily stunned into silence. Standing in the doorway was a beautiful woman with warm dark brown skin and a stunning afro held back by a vibrant yellow headband. Her yellow dress flowed softly around her, complementing her radiant smile and confident presence.

Trey: "Oh, sup, babe."

Nate: "Hi. Welcome to the club."

?: "Hey, as you know my name is Savanna if you didn't catch that earlier."

Ben: "What a beautiful name."

Savanna: "Thanks~"

Savanna strode confidently over to Trey, her dress swaying softly as she moved. Without a word, she eased onto his lap, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and planting a series of playful kisses along his cheek. Trey's face lit up, unable to hide his grin as he leaned into her affection.

Nate: "Aww, you two are cute. How long have you guys known each other?"

Trey: "We've been datin' for about a year."

Ben: "Damn. My relationships never last that long."

Trey: "Aren't you in one right now?"

Ben: "Yeah."

Trey: "I feel bad for that girl."

Ben: "Oh fuck you!"

Nate: "Hahaha!"

Savanna: "What about you, Nate? Got a girl?"

Nate: "Me? Nah."

Savanna: "I'm surprised. You got a cute face."

Nate shifted slightly, feeling a sudden awkwardness wash over him. The compliment Savanna had thrown his way seemed to linger in the air, catching him off guard. He worried Trey might have noticed, but Trey was still relaxed, his arm around Savanna and his expression unfazed. Clearly, he trusted her completely.

Nate took a breath, telling himself he was probably reading into it. She hadn't meant it to be flirty. The unease began to fade, and he let himself settle back into the vibe of the group, grateful Trey hadn't batted an eye.

Nate: "Oh, hahaha! I dunno, I'm not that good looking, but thanks for the compliment."

Ben: "Yeah you're ugly as fuck."

Nate: "You're just jealous because Trey would rather sleep with me than you~"

Ben: "You-

Trey: "It's true."

Ben: "Hey! I'm better lookin' than that guy!"

Trey: "Nah."

Nate: "Ha!"

Ben: "Whatever. My girl thinks I'm sexy. At least I'm not single like you."

Nate: "True. You got me there."

Ding-Dong

Trey: "Oh shit. That's the pizza guy."

Ben: "I'll get it!"

Trey: "No, I don't want yo ugly ass scarin' the man."

Ben: "What!"

As Savanna slid off Trey's lap, he stood up and headed to the door to greet the delivery guy, pulling out his wallet to pay for the pizza.

Trey: "Oh shit! Bradly, what's up?"

Bradly: "Trey? Bro, I haven't seen you in a minute."

Trey: "I close now."

Bradly: "I thought you got fired."

Trey: "Nah, I didn't tell you?"

Bradly: "No."

Trey: "Shit, I'm sorry. Well how's life?"

Bradly: "Hol up. Sign this shit first."

Trey signed the receipt. Bradly gave him the pizzas. One of Trey's friends went over and brought the pizza over to the living room.

Bradly: "Well, I don't wanna keep you from your party."

Trey: "Nah, dude. I got time to chat."

Bradly: "Oh shit ok. It's slow as hell, so I got a while."

Trey told the group that he'll be a minute. He stepped out of his house and started chatting up a storm with Bradly on the front porch.

Meanwhile, Nate stretched and rose from his seat. "Be right back—just hitting the restroom," he said, giving a quick nod before slipping down the hallway.

Savanna and Ben exchanged glances, both feeling the weight of the awkward silence as they sat there. It didn't take long for Ben to break the tension, standing up and heading toward the living room where the others were still chatting. Savanna followed suit, though she felt a bit hesitant as Ben launched himself into their conversation.

"Hey, did you guys know that…" Ben began, his voice loud and brash, immediately making a fool of himself with a string of silly facts that had everyone chuckling, but Savanna couldn't help but cringe at his antics. She felt a wave of secondhand embarrassment wash over her as she watched him talk utter nonsense.

After a moment, she decided she needed a break. Excusing herself, she quietly walked toward the hallway leading to the bathroom. Oh! That's right. The cute boy is using it.

She didn't wait long. The door swung open and out came the cute asian boy that peaked her interest. She smiled when he jumped back a little surprised from her presence.

Savanna: "Hey."

Nate: "Shit, you scared me. Hi."

Savanna: "I meant what I said earlier."

Nate: "Wha?"

Savanna: "That you're a cutie."

Nate: "Oh! Y-yeah? Thanks."

Savanna: "What'd you think of me?"

Nate: "Uh—What?"

Savanna: "Do you think I'm cute?"

Nate: "Uh…"

Savanna: "You can be honest."

Nate: "I don't feel comfortable. You're my best friend's girlfriend. I don't wanna seem like a creep ya know."

Savanna: "I just want your opinion. I'm not gonna say nuthin'."

Nate: "I'll just say this: I'm happy that Trey got a cute girlfriend."

Savanna: "So you think I'm cute?"

Nate: "Y-yeah? Haha… Anyway, let's uh—let's eat that pizza."

Nate was just about to step forward when Savanna playfully pushed him into the bathroom, closing the door behind him with a smirk. He stumbled backward, shock rippling through him as he regained his balance against the sink.

Wait, what just happened? he thought, confusion mixing with a hint of irritation. He hadn't expected her to be so bold, and it left him feeling flustered.

Outside, he could hear the laughter and chatter of the group, but here, it was quiet and a little too intimate for his comfort. Nate ran a hand through his hair, trying to shake off the feeling of being caught off guard.

Savanna: "Hey~"

Nate: "Y-you pushed me."

Savanna: "Kinda hot, right?"

Nate: (Yes.) "No! What're you doing?"

Savanna: "We're just gettin' to know each other~"