The Platinum Chef: A Tale Of Delacroix Part V free porn video

Chapter 15 Bobbie was a little grumpy, but felt lighter than she had recently. Despite cramps, she smiled some, happy to see Beth and Amber who had joined them for lunch to talk about the cupcakes. "Cooking is all science, really. I mean, there's the art stuff, too, but the physics of it... Those were so good. I was wondering if you could make some for the bake sale?" "Bake Sale?" Bobbie asked, Beth's expression mirrored Bobbies. "Yeah, we do the big musical in the spring. We hold a bake sale to help fund it. Last year, we used the home ec kitchens. I think it'd be a really big hit." To new experiences. "Sure," Bobbie said. "But only if Beth helps." "Of course, silly." Beth said, suddenly bouncing. Bobbie survived the rest of the week The shopping list for the bake sale came through on the following Monday, and Bobbie and Beth were on the case. They had even managed to enlist Tim, who had his own ideas. "...Well, there's this restaurant that won the James Beard award that has something called a Chocolate Bacon Crunch Bar. I think we can pull off a cupcake version of that. Thanks Chef Duff." He turned to Bobbie and smiled broadly. "And you, Bobbie." "Me? What did I do?" "You got me interested in things again. I wasn't lost, I just didn't know where I was going." "Ah," Bobbie said, feigning wisdom. "A zen answer, nice one pilgrim." Tim's eyes widened. "There is no way you know where that's from." "Steve Perry's The Man Who Never missed, my favorite book." "Get the fuck out of here," Tim said, pulling the battered paperback out of his back pocket. The timer dinged and Tim spun to pull the cakes out of the oven. Bobbie stood still and noticed a smell, undertones of sweat, wood and leather, it hung in the air. The smell was so... so... Male. She remembered that smell, that one of a general floweriness that girls had. He'd been alone with women for over a month now. It seemed alien to her now. Somehow faulty and misleading. But the other smell, his smell... It stirred something, something deep and ancient. The lizard part of her brain sending signals that were familiar, faint and distant. Her cramps faded for a second, she smiled. "Rest of the series wasn't all that, but man...." The cupcakes were finished, ten dozen each Mortal Choklate, Great White North, and Tim's experiment, which he dubbed the Womanimal. "Chocolate and bacon, and the restaurant's name is Animal." Ms. Varney, the Drama Club advisor saw the output and was simply overjoyed. "So many. They should sell. Hope you're ready..." "Ready?" Bobbie said. "For what?" "You're going to work the stand, right?" Ms. Varney asked. Beth answered in the affirmative immediately. "Umm sure," Tim said, glancing at Bobbie. "Bobbie? You in?" "Alright," she said. "That escalated quickly." Tim laughed. Where once was great trepidation, Bobbie felt optimism and hope. "I'm gonna have to get ready for tomorrow," Tim said absently. "Beth, want a ride home? I just got my dad's old Vespa fixed. Mean to ride it around. Got two helmets?" "Ooh, okay," Beth squealed, Bobbie smiled at him, turning to leave. Tim flipped out his phone. After countless taps and a few moments, he turned to Beth and said "Let's go." As they left, Bobbie felt, well slightly down. Damn hormones. She left to find Kim and walk home. She found Kim with Roxx, trying to suffocate each other with their tongues. They separated when Kim's eyes widened at the sight of Bobbie. "Hey, Roxx. I've gotta go. Until later tonight?" Kim said, a hunger in her eyes. Bobbie felt it the sheer otherness of her. "Oh, yeah. See ya then, Tiger. Nice to see you again, Angel." Roxx said, spiling herself from step to the next viscously like the heaviest cream. Kim leered at Roxx's rear end as it swished from one side to the other like the pendulum of a grandfather clock. "MMM, I like her. We're gonna do such depraved and horrible things to each other," Kim said uncharacteristically. Bobbie saw the darkness in her, she had learned to tune it out. It was present in everyone to varying degrees. Even when she saw it go away, the same person would have it back soon. But the echoes of wrongness followed Roxx out like a tide going out. "I don't know about her. Something's not right." "Geez, bro. Jealous much?" Kim looked defensive. "Me? No. I'm not gay, remember?" Bobbie said defiantly. "C'mon, let's get home." "Yeah, we should do that," Kim said, still staring after Roxx. Dinner and homework taken care of, Bobbie was ready to go to bed. Kim had taken off with Roxx, Sylvia was out with friends from work. She had the house alone. The squeezing and general crappiness went away after a hot shower, removing bits of batter and frosting. Once out, she began the process of towel drying her hair. Ready for bed, she slipped into her pajamas and... BZZT! BZZT! The phone vibrated on her nightstand. Heather: HEY BOBBIE!! Need to pik u up 2mrw, early, lik 6. B rdy. Bobbie: Y Heather: Gt rdy 4 bak sal. So much for 8 hours Chapter 16 Bobbie was up at 5, slightly dressed in jeans and a tshirt, a cup of coffee in each hand. Heather was, true to her word, there at 5:59 on the dot. "Come on," Heather said. Bobbie had never before seen her like this. No make up, and a baggy shirt and sweatpants. And, Bobbie noticed upon closer inspection, pink fuzzy bunny slippers. "Thanks," Heather said, accepting the brew. " Late night. Be worth it when it's over. I am so tired. Never got to say this before, but thanks." Bobbie sipped at her coffee. "Sure. For what?" "Since you've been around, we've gotten band space. And I got to meet Beth. She's sweet. She helps you a lot. I like her. She needs a woman in her life so bad." "And she's amazing. I wish I could do more to help her. Just glad to get her into a kitchen..." Heather guzzled a long swallow of coffee. "I'm gonna set up a camera one day and film you two in action. It's like watching a fish get put back in water." She guzzled again, finishing the cup. "Okay, We're gonna get us dolled up at my house. Besides, you've got some surprises coming. You're gonna be ready" "What's that supposed to mean?" "You'll see. C'mon, we're here." Heather practically jumped out of the car. Heather bolted up to her room, and Bobbie followed. What happened over the next two hours left Bobbie transformed. Her hair had been done in victory rolls, the back tied in with a blue bow. She was wearing a blue swing dress with leopard print around the curves of her breasts. She felt how it clung to every square inch, it felt, somehow right. She randomly thought about the anime she watched while still a child, many of them revolving around tightly fitting power armor. Heather was wearing a similar dress, this one red. Her hair was pulled back in a simple ponytail. They both wore nylons. Heather's make up was plain, pretty. Bobbie's was... well, pinup was the only word he had for it. Bold eye makeup and sassy style. She realized, the dress was her power armor. Heather handed Bobbie a pair of low heels. "Bobbie, Kim tells me you're not too confident in the heels. These should be okay, just carry your other shoes in your backpack. Gonna want those back at the end of the day. All part of my duty as costume department." Heather and Bobbie stepped onto campus decked out like women on the Olivia calendars and the Fargas paintings. They turned heads wherever they went. Bobbie was self conscious. Having been a guy, she knew that at least one person would be gratifying himself tonight over the sight of her. She shook the thought out of her head. Yeah, and you were one of those guys, enjoy the power. But, remember, with it comes responsibility. The first part of the day was uneventful until fourth period, which had let Bobbie out early to set up the bake sale. When she walked up to the series of picnic tables, she stopped, stunned. Beth was in a polka dot dress and saddle shoes, ribbons in her hair. Simple, clean makeup. But it was Tim that got her attention. He was wearing basic jeans and a t shirt. The hair was mostly gone, cut into a flat top, He looked better. Bobbie had to admit, stoner chic making him look like someone who would have been at home touring with Pearl Jam. He looked good, not flashy, clean. His broad shoulders and smooth skin "You like, Bobbie?" Tim said, his nervousness detectable but not overly so. She smiled. "This is why Beth and I ran off yesterday." His color changed. "Give you a ride today though." She could hear that his mouth had gone dry. Her heart felt like an inflating balloon, one filled with... what? "Cool, Daddy-o," Bobbie said, smiling. Turning to Heather, she said, "Why are we wearing this? You never told me, and what's with..." "I told you guys, style interventions for both of them," Heather said, pointing to each. "How'd I do? I mean they're only dressed like this today. But." Heather looked right at Tim and enunciated very clearly. "We will be taking care of that this weekend, won't we?" Heather continued, "Oh, that's right. We dress in costume from the musical we're doing. This year it's Grease. I'm excited, because we get to use the whole band this year. We're going to use the Less Than Jake arrangement of the soundtrack. It's going to be boss!" "Well, as long as it makes sense. Let's set up." Bobbie said dryly. It was crazy, there was a clamoring for the cupcakes from the moment they opened. Faye was there first, flanked by two girls she introduced as Rachel and Zoe. The cheerleaders and jocks were next. They had sold every single item by the end of lunch. The only person shocked by the sudden depletion of stock was Bobbie. "Wait, that's it?" Bobbie said, looking for another tray. "That was so cool," Beth squealed. Tim was completely nonchalant about the whole thing. As if he knew that this was the only possible outcome. "Better get used to that. Those cupcakes of yours are gonna make you famous. Watch." Bobbie blushed. "Hey," Tim said, stepping closer. "I mean it. Those things are a goldmine, Peggy Sue." Bobbie felt her hear leap at the nickname. She didn't know why, but she liked the familiarity it conveyed. Bobbie walked carefully for the rest of the day, her feet tender from the heels. She had changed back into the sneakers and, despite the foot discomfort, floated on air. The change in the air was palpable. It was like the darknesses she saw were muted, subdued. It was during drama class when the P.A. system came to life. "Students. This is Principal Michaelson. I just want to congratulate you on having the first day I've ever seen with no fights, or discipline problems. Keep up the good work. Thank you and have a nice day." As Bobbie slung her backpack over her back, she saw Tim on his Vespa. He raised his arm and waved her over. She went over to the vehicle, waving goodbye to Beth and Kim. She had to admit, he looked good. A pleasant buzzing tingle at the pit of her stomach spread out evenly and made her smile as he handed her a helmet. She smiled as she put the helmet on. She could feel the helmet push her hair down in ways it wasn't meant to. When she finally got on, she grabbed the metal bar behind the seat. Tim slowly started riding away. He pulled out into slight traffic and headed toward Bobbie's house. After a couple of turns, she realized he was taking the long, scenic route. She felt the wind on her face, she was with a friend. It had been a particularly good day. Tim rolled to a stop at the light and looked to his left. A hill slanted down toward the cluster of streets where Bobbie lived. When the light turned green, he twisted the accelerator. The moped threatened to jump out from under Bobbie's legs. Thinking and moving quickly, she let go of the bar and grabbed onto Tim. Pulling herself into him, she could feel his heat, smell the cheap aftershave he used, and that light undertone of leather and wood. The smells and proximity were so intoxicating. When combined with Bobbie's already light mood, she hugged him, placing her helmeted head on his back. His body sagged slightly as they reached the bottom of the hill. The rest of the way to her house, Bobbie held on to Tim. Tim smiled as the world slid by. There could have been zombies or terrorists chasing him and it wouldn't have mattered. Now, at this moment, he was the happiest guy in the world. He brought the Vespa to a stop in front of the House. Bobbie swung her leg off of the bike, taking care not to expose herself. Tim followed suit. Bobbie took off the helmet, Her hair hung limply in some places where some had escaped the pins, and slightly frizzy where the product was spent. Tim took the helmet from her and locked it to the rear compartment. "Bobbie, Beth told me about your conversation..." Bobbie looked blankly at him. "...I know you say you're not. But-" He reached out and hooked an errant clump of hair over her ear. "You must be an angel. Everything just gets better when you're around." Bobbie smiled up at him. "See you tomorrow. Angel." Smiling, Tim remounted the vehicle and rode away. Bobbie walked backward towards the house, smiling. The tingle becoming a glow, there was an excitement inside her body that threatened to burst. Entering the living room, Kim was watching TV. "Good day, huh?" She said, not turning her attention away from the news. "Oh, just the best," Bobbie squealed. Kim looked at her, cocking an eyebrow. "Everyone loved the bake sale and...and..." Bobbie was positively beaming. "Tim gave you a ride home, took you down the hill. It made you feel special, huh?" Bobbie's face fell. "Beth and Heather conspired on that one. You like him, huh?' Embarassed, she smiled. " I.. I think so. He even likes Buckaroo Banzai." "What a keeper," Kim said sarcastically. "Bobbie's got a boyfriend." The old singsong voice teased. Bobbie stared, eyes narrowing. "Shut up! I need a shower." Bobbie turned and bounced up the stairs, buoyed by happy thoughts or helium. The smile remaining plastered to her face. Gathering her clothes, she looked around her room. It didn't seem to suit anymore. She opened the blinds, hearing them creak, Robb had never opened them. He eschewed natural light. Had stopped going outside, playing with Kim. God, did I really close myself off that much? She thought as the water sluiced the day off her body. An errant jet of water came close between her legs. Her left knee buckled. The smell of wood and leather. The thought of how she felt when Tim spouted a familiar movie reference. The way her body relaxed at his touch at the party. Tim was part of every thought as the water caressed sensitive parts that Bobbie was still unfamiliar with, sending sensation after sensation into her brain. And then it stopped as the water moved away. Not wanting it to end, she turned the water back to its previous position. Waves of pleasure overtook her as she drowned in thoughts of Tim and a tide of tactile bliss. When it finally ended and thought became coherent again. Bobbie stopped. Did I just... She couldn't tell if it bothered her or not, only serving to make it bother her more. Finishing her shower, she toweled off and got dressed. Looking in the mirror, the smile was still there, turned down to 10. She went downstairs, back to Kim. "You're loud, you know that?" Kim said, changing channels. Bobbie blushed to her ears. "You.. heard?" she whispered. "Um, Yeah," Kim said, smiling. "It's okay. I'm a little loud myself, apparently." Bobbie looked at her. "Roxx?" Kim smiled impishly. "Yeah." It was her turn to blush. "First time?" Bobbie asked. "Yeah. Oh, it was sooo..." Bobbie held up a hand. "Don't wanna know. Got enough pictures in my head right now." "Yeah, of Tim," Kim said, hitting her with one of the couch's throw pillows. Bobbie hit her back. "About Roxx. I don't know about her. Something's not right about her." "Oh, you're jealous because that was your type, and she's hotter than your last girlfriend." Kim's smile wavered. The darkness had progressed, Bobbie could see that now. Her face hardened imperceptibly. "I just don't want what happened to me to happen to you. Kim, I died. Remember?" "Yeah, in more ways than one," Kim mumbled. "What's that supposed to mean?" "You're not exactly the same person now. You need to face that." "I think I have." Kim looked at Bobbie and through her. "Then talk to Tim. I mean, really talk to him. He likes you, he told me not to tell you. But you like him, and you need Stevie Wonder to point it out to you. You're scared of cock, aren't you?" Bobbie looked at her sister, stunned. She'd never used that word before, well not while Bobbie was around. Bobbie looked at Kim and realized just how much she'd grown up. When did she find the time to get so wise? Bobbie appreciated the situation. A young lesbian telling a girl who used to be a guy that he was afraid of cock. It would have sounded ludicrous... ...if it wasn't true. Chapter 17 "There you are." Ms Varney said. "The bake sale was such a success, and I understand it was your cupcakes that single handedly made the sale. Just wanted to say thank you." She hurried of to her classroom. Bobbie walked the rest of the way to Mr. Lesko's class The glow from the bake sale carried over until the next day. When the lunch bell finally rang, Bobbie went to find Beth. She found her picking at her sandwich, she perked up as soon as Bobbie showed sat down. "So, how was your ride home?" Beth asked smiling. Bobbie smiled back. "Fine." "Did you kiss him? Did he kiss you? Did he..." Beth was letting her excitement show. "Whoa, slow down. He just gave me a ride home." "Yeah, on his moped." Beth said dreamily. "Did you lean into him? I did. He smells nice." Beth turned scarlet. "I know he likes you, but it was nice to pretend he was mine, even if for only a minute." She turned her attention back to her lunch, where her sandwich had acquired something fascinating. "Yeah." Bobbie smiled, the scent of wood and leather replaying in her mind, his warmth. His closeness. How her stomach dropped when the seat threatened to drop out from under her. How grabbing and pulling him close just seemed right. "You two going to the Winter Ball?" Beth asked, pointing to the poster hanging from the awning of the lunch area. Bobbie looked up and saw the sign proudly announcing "Delacroix winter ball 2013: Forever Young" in silver, glittery letters. During the first round of high school, Robb never went to any dances. A part of Bobbie's mind drifted to thoughts of Tim and slow dancing. "...this weekend? Bobbie." Beth's hand shook her shoulder gently. "Hmm." Bobbie came out of her reverie. "I said, were you doing anything special this weekend?" "Oh, just hanging with the band." "...and Tim. You know he's gonna ask you, right?" "Heya, Bobbie." Tim's voice came up behind her, making her eep and jump. Beth snorted laughter. "Oh, you shit." She playfully slapped his shoulder as he sat. "We were just talking about you." "I can tell, you're blushing." Tim smiled. "So Bobbie. Since someone let the cat out of the bag," he glanced at Beth, who turned back to her sandwich while pulling a chip from the small bag. He cleared his throat, and looked into those blue eyes that went on forever. The hum and munch of the lunch crowd. A detached part of Bobbie's mind went into Bullet Time. ...Beth slowed mid chew. ...The soda can who shot was at the trash can by one of the football team twirled languidly through the air. "Bobbie Sharpe, would you like to go to the Winter Ball with me?" Tim asked, looking for all the world like he just killed the bear. Her stomach knotted, thoughts of cupcakes gone. She remembered 'you only have to be bold for twenty seconds. A fluttery feeling ballooned in her belly, festooned with a curious warmth. Their gaze held. Bobbie didn't know if it had been twenty seconds or not, but it felt longer. She could feel his confidence; she could see that the answer didn't matter to him. It was a courage 'Robb' never had displayed excepting that one time. She understood the courage he was displaying. Felt it radiating from him. "Yes," she said, feeling like she was all that mattered to him at that one, perfect moment. She reached forward, hugging him. She craved that wood and leather smell, his warmth. Time returned to normal, the sound of one Beth clapping. "Oh, I'm so happy for you, Bobbie. Wish I could go." Her expression drooped a little. "Don't worry, it's early. I'm sure something will happen," Bobbie reassured. "Yeah, Beth. Plenty of time." Tim winked at Bobbie. "Bobbie, you got anything going on today?" "Helping Kim with homework, which means I'll probably write most of it. Got another cupcake to try today." Bobbie said, wishing it wasn't true. What she really wanted was to catch a ride home again. "Well, Beth. Wanna ride home?" "Oh, yes please." Beth said, eyeing Bobbie nervously. Bobbie chuckled and waved her hand noncommittally. They were gathering their books when the bell rang. Kim was lighting a cigarette as they walked through the field. "So, Winter Ball with Tim, huh?" She looked at Bobbie, who stared back in surprise. "What?" She said, exhaling. "Like you were gonna hide that. He asked me first you know. I told him I didn't know, he'd have to ask you. Look, I knew this was gonna happen." "You've been Bobbie for a little over a month now. I think the last of your old testosterone worked out. Yesterday proved it, you should have seen yourself." She smiled. "Giddy as a schoolgirl." Bobbie thought about it. She had been noticing things differently, but didn't really think about it. Now it came into focus. The way she noticed Tim's muscles that first day in the bakery, The way he made her feel when he was around, the way he smelled. She slowly smiled, it was true, she realized. "C'mon, princess, let's go. That paper's not gonna write itself..." Chapter 18 The next few weeks passed as summer offered it last dying gasp before the leaves began to change and fall began to lay the town under siege with its unpredictable weather. Classes continued in sort of a blur of days, weekends full of band practice and friends. Heather had taken Beth under her wing. Bobbie had seen the confidence she showed in the kitchen blossom into something more. She kept her head up more, her movements more sure. Bobbie continued working on cupcakes. They only had until March to open the bakery. She had many flavors, all with names like Blue Velvet(Red Velvet cake with blue food coloring instead), La Dulce Vita(Dulce de Leche), and The Dragonslayer(That one had a green apple jelly filling and a caramel frosting). They would be ready to open soon enough. On a Wednesday in late October Tim called Bobbie. She'd been doing government homework when the phone played it's ringtone. As a practical joke, Kim had changed it to play One Direction's 'Beautiful', and Bobbie had left it to annoy her. "Hey, Bobbie. Great News." "Remember when I said we should try to sell some of these to Daily Grind? They said yes." He was so excited. "We've got an order for five dozen for Friday. I figure you, me and Beth can knock that out pretty quick. Tomorrow?" "Sure." "Till then. Sweet dreams. Later, sweets." She smiled. "Do Svidanya." She hung up and called Heather. "Heather? I was wondering if you could give Beth a ride to the bakery tomorrow? Cool, thanks Heather." The following day, they all gathered at the student parking lot. Classes forgotten, idly chattering, Heather turned to Beth. "So, any luck finding a date to the dance? Beth pouted slightly. "No. Not yet. Keep hoping though. No one seems interested" "Don't worry kid. You're going if I have to kidnap someone to go with you." Heather said, winking at Bobbie. What's that supposed to mean? Bobbie wondered. "Ready, Bobbie?" Tim asked, handing her the helmet, strapping his own helmet to his head and mounting the bike. "Alright ramblers, let's get ramblin'," Bobbie said. Affixing the helmet. She swung her leg over the back of the moped. Bobbie snaked her arms around Tim and scooted her body closer, trying to get as much contact as she could. The thrum of the engine tingled her thighs. She turned her head and leaned in, inhaling his smell deeply. She smiled. All was right with the world as they sped off, into the rapidly cooling afternoon. * * * "Kim." Roxx purred, massaging that spot between the shoulder blades. "MMmmm?" she responded. "We should go to the Winter Ball." Roxx moved her hands further down. "The ball? O...Ok, didn't think you'd wanna go." "Why?" She bent down to whisper sensually in her ear. "Give up a good reason to see you in a suit?" She nibbled an earlobe." Kim quivered with pleasure. "Mmm. Anything for you, baby." Standing up, Roxx said, "You carry way too much tension. I'm never gonna get anywhere this way." Reaching into her purse, she pulled a slightly twisted with cylinder. "This'll help." She put it to her mouth and lit it like a cigarette. Kim recognized that smell." "It's not a big deal. Lots of places give prescriptions for this now. They are doctors." Roxx passed the joint to Kim. She inhaled, it was harsher than her cigarettes. "Hold it in," Roxx said, "Don't choke." She laughed. Kim felt a little light headed, she giggled a little at some unidentified humor. "I don't know why I'm laughing." The giggle became a full laugh. "That's because you're stoned, dork." Roxx said as she leaned in for the kiss, bringing her free hand up to caress a breast. Kim reached around to rest her hand on Roxx's ass. *** Bobbie was winding down from working in the bakery when Kim came in, grinning ear to ear. "Hey, Kim. Was wondering if you were gonna..." She stopped when she saw Kim's face. "What?" Kim said, grabbing a roll from the baking sheet. Bobbie was pale, her eyes wide with surprise. "You're fucking high. And don't bullshit me. Your eyes are red, and I could blindfold you with dental floss." Bobbie pointed accusingly almost feeling her darkness.. Kim started laughing, a lot more than she should have. "Well, OK miss pottymouth." Kim continued laughing. "I'll tell mom. Remember what happened to me? I'm not gonna let that happen to you." Kim's face went serious as Bobbie went over and hugged her. Kim wriggled out. "Jeez, Robb. Jealous much?" Bobbie looked as if she'd been slapped, she stepped back. "What's wrong, Kimster?" "Nothing. I do one little thing, and you think I'm gonna get all stupid like you did. I'm not robbing anybody." Bobbie jerked her head, stunned. "So, I got a little high? Roxx is right, you all baby me too much." She turned and head up to her room. And that was all. Was this how I made them feel? If so, I'm so sorry. Bobbie stood there and tried to hold down the tears, Can't let that happen to her. Not again. She tried to hold the tears back, gave up, and wept silently. Sylvia came home, and dinner was a quiet affair, with Bobbie eating silently. Afterward, she put food on a plate and went up to Kim's room. She knocked, hearing nothing she let herself in. Kim was asleep face down on her bed. Bobbie shook her gently. "Hey, Kim. Get up. Brought you dinner," Kim stirred. "Hey." Bobbie said. "I'm still mad at you, here's your dinner." "I'm sorry, Bobbie," Kim said, turning over to accept the plate. "Didn't mean to be a bitch. But, I can handle it. Don't worry." "That's what I said." "Yes." Kim said, spearing a potato. "But, Roxx isn't Melanie." "You better hope not," Bobbie said. "See you in the morning." Bobbie closed the door and went to bed. Chapter 18 The Daily Grind order was a success and they wanted a weekly delivery. The Signs were due to be delivered just before Thanksgiving and everything seemed to be holding together. Band practice continued. Bobbie walked home alone for the first time in recent memory. Beth and Tim had to do some studying, Heather, Bella and Amber were going to the mall, and Kim was with Roxx... again. It was starting to get dark, Daylight savings time taking its toll on the visible light of the day. Walking up to the house it seemed quiet, eerily so. The silence and darkness seemed almost absolute. She inserted the key and turned the lock... "SURPRISE!!" Bobbie nearly jumped out of her skin. Deafening sound and blinding light exploded around Bobbie. "Why didn't you tell me, you had the same birthday?" Sylvia said, hugging Bobbie close. "Happy birthday, Bobbie." Never before had a birthday happened this way. There was Beth and Bella, Heather and Amber... ...and Kim, who seemed to be partially attached to Roxx. They've all been so nice to me, made me feel at home. The dam broke, and Bobbie dissolved into happy, joyful tears. Sagging against Sylvia, Bobbie sniffled. She stepped away and turned to everyone. "Oh, you guys," Bobbie began, not noticing the slight smear of her eye makeup."You... nobody's ever done this for me before." She tasted her salty tears and bitter makeup through her smile. She sniffled and regained composure. Beth burst forward first, full of unbridled energy. She hugged Bobbie and gave her her present. It was wrapped in pink wrapping paper, but upon touching it, she knew it was cloth. Ripping it open, she unfurled the cloth, revealing it to be a blue apron. The front had "Cupcake Angel" Embossed on it's front in purple sequins. A cupcake forming the 'u', and a crooked halo resting on the 'l'."When I saw it, I had to get it for you. Oh, happy birthday..." Beth hugged her again. "You're the best friend I ever had." Bobbie could feel emotion swelling. Heather had a clean, white box, tied simply with a powder blue ribbon. Bobbie opened it and gave a quick hug. "I know you need a dress for the Winter Ball, and I know you're busy with the bakery. So, I pulled this out of my closet and altered it. This kind of dress never goes out of style." She lightly stamped her foot."Oops," she said. "Let the cat out of the bag." She opened it. It was shiny and blue, the same blue as the ribbon. Holding it up, The gown tumbled down to its full length. Bobbie looked at it. The shimmer of the satin, the play of the light on the bodice, it was beautiful. A slight burning began behind her eyes. "It's beautiful." "And don't think, you're going out in that dress without hair and makeup." Heather admonished harshly. A smile broke her expression. "Don't worry, I've got you covered." Amber and Bella came up together. "This is from us." It was heavy and rectangular. Ripping the kitten wrapping paper off, she noticed it was a book, An older book with a battered dust Jacket. "We found it, and knew you would like this." Amber said. Bobbie gathered them both in her arms in a group hug. She felt a phone vibrate. Bella flipped open her phone, glanced at it and flipped it shut. Looking down at the cover, she noticed it was a cook book. Not just any cookbook, it was an old edition of Larousse Gastronomique, The essential handbook to all things food. "Now if only there was some food here." Bella said. "...Some Food HERE!" she repeated, cartoonishly loud. Ding, dong. "Bobbie, could you get that, dear? You're closest." Sylvia said with a beaming smile. The kind, Bobbie absently noted, from before the death of her husband. It was Tim, carrying two large pizza boxes. "Hey there, Birthday girl." Kim swept in and relieved him of the pizzas. When she had taken the boxes from Tim, Bobbie noticed a pink box with a gold ribbon in his left hand. She felt an irresistible urge to grab him, she gave in. Tim meeting her halfway. He hugged Bobbie close, whispered "Happy Birthday" into her ear. He kissed her lightly on the cheek. She felt his lips long after they left her face, and a warm glow in the pit of her stomach. "Here, this is for you. You've helped me so much. With the bakery, with everything." He hugged her again. That feeling of closeness was better than any drug, if it could be bottled... She glanced sideways at Roxx, inwardly she hoped that Kim would figure that out quicker that she did. Bobbie moved aside, allowing Tim entrance. "Well go on, open it," Tim said. Bobbie lightly shook the box, listening. Pulling the bow open, she opened the box. Inside, was a small silver charm in the shape of a crossed spatula and whisk. It sat on a thin gold chain. "You've got a baker's soul, Bobbie. Why fight it? Here, let me help you put it on." He took the necklace from the box. Bobbie turned around and held her hair off her neck. He moved in close, raising his arms to lower the charm in front of her. He clasped the necklace. She could feel his breath on the back of her neck. "There." Tim said, letting it go. Bobbie turned, feeling like the only person in his world that mattered. She spun. "Perfect," Tim said, lightly touching the charm as it lay on her chest. "Tim, that's so... I'm gonna cry again." Bobbie started. Bobbie laughed, tears leaking. The smell of pizza drifted around the room. Tim stepped past Bobbie to see the candles put into the pizza. "Oh, you guys." Bobbie said. Kim and Roxx were next. "Happy birthday," she said. It was unwrapped, save for a pink ribbon. The ribbon was tied around several small graphic novels titled Iron Wok Jan. "Comics, cooking. Seemed like a perfect fit." Roxx touched Bobbie's shoulder. Wrong, wrong WRONG, WRONG... the thought tattooed itself inside her brain. The happiness of the evening strong enough for Bobbie to shake most of it off, leaving a small, suspicious part of her mind to watch. Roxx handed her an envelope. Opening it, the card said "Happy Birthday, Roberta." "I couldn't find a card that said 'Bobbie'. But I figured that it's Roberta, right?" Roxx said, trying to hide a sly smile. A look of mischief behind her violet eyes. Bobbie looked down to see the card to see that Roxx had signed it "Happy Birthday 'Bobbie' xoxo in red. Bobbie looked at Roxx for a minute. "It's casual," she said. Even though it wasn't. After the pizza was gone and the evening wound down, Kim and Roxx disappeared into her room, and the rest of the friends slowly filed out. Promising to see each other the next day. Left alone, Bobbie walked up to Sylvia. "Oh, Mom. That was the birthday I ever had." "Okay," Sylvia said, lauging while patting Bobbie's back. "I just wanted to say thank you." "Thank me? For what?" Bobbie asked. "I haven't felt this good in years. You seem to be good luck for everyone. Beth, Heather...I don't think Kim's been happier. Bobbie, we're all glad you're here." Bobbie thought about that. She felt wanted, For the first time in recent memory. "You better get off to bed, school tomorrow. I'll clean up," Sylvia said, smiling. "Good night, Bobbie." Bobbie smiled, gathered her presents and went upstairs. The boxes and books went on the dresser, next to her lamp. But it was the card that drew her attention. Has to be a coincidence... Has to be. She heard Kim's door open and close. The telltale click of Roxx's heels dopplered down the hall and the stairs. Bobbie quietly snuck over to Kim's room. "Kim?" She knocked, opening the door. Kim was sitting on the bed, staring off into space. "Huh?" She said distantly. She could see that Kim was high, but she seemed in control. Bobbie hadn't caught Kim high since that first time, and decided now wasn't the time for that argument. "It was a great birthday. Thanks, sis." Kim smiled. "Just didn't think you should be alone, like usual." She looked ruefully at Bobbie through her slightly glazed, reddened eyes. "I hope you like Roxx, she's a tough girl, been through a lot." "If she really likes you, then she has nothing to worry about. Ow." Bobbie said, smacking her fist into her palm. Too hard, she shook her hand. "Alright, I won't do that again, get some sleep. Good night." "'Night," Kim said. "Sis," she finished after a pause. Bobbie smiled as she went to bed.