Clara had turned her bakery shop into an inviting space for Darryl and his family. She had made sure it was closed to customers but left it open for her guests.
For a long time she had waited for a day like this. A day when Gloria would apologize for what she had done, but now that the day had come, she didn’t know how to go about it.
Her mind was a whirlwind of emotion as she decorated the cake she prepared for Darryl and his mother. As she finished decorating the cake, the doorbell rang, signaling that someone was at the door.
Her eyes lit up in delight at the sight of Vanessa and Darryl. Just seeing them together, holding hands melted her heart. The sight of Sophie also brought joy to her heart.
As Mrs. Peter came in after Darryl. Clara masked her emotions, changing her expression into a neutral look. But her jaw dropped and blood drained from her face when she saw Mr. Peter walked in after everyone.
Mr Peter was the last person she was expecting. She was not prepared for his presence at all. She had mentally prepared herself for Mrs Peter, but for Mr Peter, Clara was blank.
“It is unexpectedly a full house,” Clara commented as the air in the bakery shop became filled with tension.
“Long time no see, Clara,” Mrs Peter replied, but Clara ignored her.
She playfully pretended to be annoyed, ignoring Mrs. Peter and Mr. Peter, while She warmly hugged Vanessa, Darryl, and Sophie.
“Sophie has grown to become a beautiful lady,” Clara said as she pulled out of the hug, gesturing for them to take seats.
“How have you been,” Mr Peter asked her, as he was scared to use her name.
Clara ignored him, her focus remained on Darryl, Vanessa and Sophie as she brought the cake to the table they occupied.
“I made it with love, please enjoy it,” she said with a smile on her face.
Reacting to Clara’s behavior, Mrs. Peter and Mr. Peter exchanged amused glances, knowing they must work harder to win Clara over despite her silent treatment towards them.
“Clara, I didn’t come here to watch you show your baking skills.” Mrs Peter said, causing everyone in the room to gasp in shock.
“This is the Gloria I know, the sassy and obnoxious one. You can’t come in here and act all kind, expecting me to pull you into a hug.” Clara snapped back, unleashing the anger she had hid away.
“We didn’t come here to have a fight with you, either.” Mrs Peter said, trying to remain calm and apologetic. “I’m sorry, Clara.” she apologized.
“For what?” Clara asked, her tone icy. This was not her initial plan, but her emotions got the best of her.
“For everything,” Mrs Peter said.
“I’ve forgotten those things. Could you mention them? Maybe a few that can help me get my memories back.” Clara said, causing Vanessa to interrupt.
“Mom, this was not the plan,” Vanessa said, her tone low and calm.
The children had planned to leave the conversation to their parents, but if they remain quiet, things might get out of hands.
“I’m sorry for making your life hell, if that’s what you want to hear.” Mrs Peter said, her tone remorseful.
“Well, I want to hear more,” Clara retorted.
“You should take it out on me,” Mr Peter said and silence fell upon the bakery shop. “I should have done better, I should have fought harder, but I left you to do all the struggling because I was a coward. I’m sorry for causing you so much pain. I’m sorry for making you raise our daughter alone after promising you that I would be there for you. Forgive me, Clara.” Mr Peter apologized with his teary eyes.
“Oh my, I can’t even act a little dramatic,” Clara said, and everyone in the room stared at her in confusion.
“You are all making me emotional already. I only wanted to be a little dramatic, but the table turned on me, making me look like a bad man.” She explained, causing the tension in the room to vanish into thin air.
“You should be an actress, Clara. You surely got all of us with your acting,” Sophie said as her shoulder relaxed.
“Are you saying you have forgiven us?” Mr Peter asked, still feeling melancholic.
“I’ve forgiven you and your wife. I was only adding a little spice to our little reunion. Who wants a boring family reunion?”
“You have changed a lot,” Mrs Peter commented as she settled in one of the chairs.
“Coming from someone who was on the verge of tears. I never expected you to be emotional and warm.” Clara replied, her hands moved around as she described Mrs Peter’s demeanor.
Clara’s playful act added to the warmth and joy of the reunion, as they all settled in for a wonderful time together.
“Now, I can eat the cake without watching my back.” Darryl said as he dug a pastry knife into the cake.
“Why would you watch your back?” Vanessa asked Darryl as they all wondered the meaning of what he had said.
“To be honest, I don’t really trust either mothers. A part of me was expecting them to throw a baking pan at each other.” Darryl joked, and their giggling echoed through the bakery shop.
“You are not much of a peacemaker. Always craving trouble and chaos.” Sophie said, jabbing his side playfully.
“Where is Tanisha?” Mr Peter asked, and his question changed the atmosphere again.
“She will be here anytime soon. She went to make a quick delivery outside town.” Clara answered, causing everyone to relax.
They all know how Tanisha could be, she might have decided to stay behind because she doesn’t want to make up with her father yet. But Clara’s explanation made them less worried, but Mr Peter was still anxious to meet his daughter.
“I’m sorry if I’m weird, but if I may ask, is my daughter ready to meet me?” he asked, anxiety laced in his voice.
“After so many years of staying away, I would understand if she wanted nothing to do with me.” Mr Peter was saying, but Clara interrupted him.
“Can you just stop the blabbering, already. Tanisha is super excited to see you again. She has been talking about it nonstop, but this delivery was an important one for us.” Clara explained, assurance laced in her voice. “Be calm, your daughter is ready and excited to see you again.”
“Thank you so much, Clara. I’m sincerely grateful for restoring peace to our family and for giving us another beautiful daughter.” Mrs Peter said, causing everyone to laugh.
Before Clara could reply, the doorbell rang, signaling someone’s arrival. Their heads turned in the direction of the door and joy filled their hearts as they saw Tanisha walk into the bakery shop.
“How much have I missed?” She asked.
“Long time, no see, Dad.” She said as she got closer to them.