It had been a busy day for the whole bakery and Ari was happy to see the waitresses and Ally leave, and to find Eva already heading home for the night. She was always the last one out but she didn't mind, it was nice to see the store settle, to softly coax her fingers over the heads of the candy creatures on the display and feel them nuzzle back. To caress along the wall of the mural and say goodnight in low murmured tones to the magical creatures lingering there.<br/><br/>She sang softly as she did so, in a soft, gentle voice, she didn't sing often these days; at least not in front of people. Ariella was a bright force in the store, but there was something that loomed over her. The girl rubbed her forehead as she locked up the doors and carried up the cold dinner she had made herself of a salad and bread to her apartment beside the bakery.<br/><br/>It had been a good day, and she was happy and thanked the heavens and the magic in her blood that it had been so.  A blessing indeed.<br/><br/>~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br/><br/>NEW DAY<br/><br/>~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br/><br/>It was the same routine, although she felt a little light headed today. Regardless she smiled as Vi entered the kitchen from her painting, the cinnamon rolls already going in the ovens and other trays already loaded and ready to be placed in the ovens to prepare them for buying. Deliveries had done a brisk business yesterday, most of the goods went out that way these days. Eva should be along soon which meant she had three cups of hot chocolate waiting and two slices of toast. The first cup went to Vi, the second and third along with the toast she carried out into the main room to wait for her sisters appearance.<br/><br/>She leaned against the counter to try and stay off the trembles in her hands, steadying them against the wood as she frowned. It had only been three days ago when she had last seen the doctor. She didn't want to return this soon. Who would come in today? Ari pondered that, trying to distract herself. She had several regulars she liked very well, but, honestly, she hoped to see that man again, Tom, the one she had ran into a week ago. He was so interesting, more so since she had found that book of his poetry the morning after he was here. He must have lost it when they ran into each other.<br/><br/>At first she had been fascinated by his way with words, and then happy that he would have a reason to come back, only, he didn't. At least not yet. But until he did she would keep it on hand to offer it back to him when she did see him again, thus the reason that it was tucked away in her apron pocket. Waiting, for him to return. Waiting, she was starting to fear the waiting her life had become.<br/>