Magical Cupcake

Solstice hummed an upbeat turn as she walked to a cafe located at the city center, a hop in her step. She was invited to visit and she was excited. She was in a great mood after the previous night’s development and nothing was going to dampen her mood, not even the ungodly hour. 

She, Vulpes and Samsara had visited Vega’s place last night and while the other two met the family, Solstice went straight to the kitchen, finding Vega and his mother, Brigette. It came as no surprise when the two women subsequently kicked Vega out of the kitchen so the two of them could start on dinner. What was surprising was that the two women bonded over different receipts and sweets. Soft laughter and chattering could be heard as the two worked side by side passing each other ingredients without a second thought. They also left a batch of cookies in the over to be baked over dinner.

During dinner, Solstice, having enough of the two dancing around each other, dropped the bomb that the two liked each other. Vulpes stared at Solstice shocked. She never in a million years thought that Solstice would do something that decisively. Elijah, Vega’s brother, looked as though he would hop over the table and murder Samsara. However, Brigitte was just amused, already knowing about them. She chuckled and easily approved the relationship between them, which made them sputter. 

With that, they had finally changed their status as official and dating. To celebrate, Solstice and Brigitte served the group the batch of cookies that had left in the oven. That night, Brigitte had invited Solstice to visit her cafe, before writing the name of it on a piece of paper. She agreed without a second thought. She also closed the betting pool that night and had an envelope tucked in her side bag with her with 50% of the winnings for her partner-in-crime, which, shockingly enough, was Elijah.

Her feet paused in front of a cafe with the sign “Magical Cupcakes” hung at the entrance. She looked at the slip of paper and then at the cafe again. Shrugging slightly, she strolled in. Instantly, the aroma of fresh coffee led her to the counter.

“Hey Elijah,” she greeted him. “I’m looking for your mom, Brigitte.” 

He smiled at her. “Ah Solstice, nice to see you. Mom would like to see you in her office. Please, come around to the back.”

As she walked around to the back, she slipped him the envelope. “Half of the betting pool,” she winked at him. He grinned and slid it into the pocket of his pants.

Knocking on the door of the office, Solstice entered it to see Brigitte smiling at her.

“Good morning,” Solstice greeted her.

“Good morning Solstice. Please take a seat.”

Wasting no time, Brigitte explained to Solstice that she would like her to work at the cafe. She was impressed at how skilled Solstice was at baking and how worried she was about leaving the kitchen to Elijah and Vega when she wasn’t there. Solstice had to stifle a giggle at that.

“I don’t mind,” Solstice was delighted. “I would love to bake cookies for others! I would also like to offer light meals for the customers. I can also bake cakes for the days you aren’t here. But have to ask, can Vega and Elijah brew coffee and tea?”

Brigitte blinked twice before laughing. “Vega can only brew tea while Elijah can only brew coffee.”

“Oh dear...”

Weighing her options, Solstice decided to try it for the day before accepting. That day, Solstice found it relaxing and even fun, introducing some new sandwiches that made a good light lunch. At the end of the day, Solstice decided to accept the offer.

“Hey Solstice!” Elijah called her just as she was about to leave.

“Yeah?”

He thrust a bag to her.

“Hmmm?”

“Left overs for today. It’s free.”

Solstice smiled, taking the bag. “Thank you.”

She was grinning the entire time on the way home.

~0o0~

“Hey Solstice!” The voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

“Yeah?” She called back.

“Ready for a new day?”

“Of course!”

“Then let’s open the cafe.” The sign on the cafe was flipped to open and a steady stream of customers entered the small cafe for their daily morning fix. 

She smiled as she also helped serve some customers. “Yep, it’s just another average day here at Magical Cupcake.”