Special week........

April 1995....

By the time Amanda reached home, it was already past 6pm. Usually on weekends the bakery closes by 4pm, but because today was the day before the special week, Amanda and Trisha had to work extra hours.

Trisha was just 4 years older than Amanda but they were already great friends. Infact, if not for Trisha, Amanda won't have known about Bentley Bakery.

Amanda slowly pushed open the door and shut it behind her. She kicked off her shoes and dropped her bag on the table next to the entrance. Feeling really exhausted she sat on the couch and closed her eyes.

After a few minutes, she sat up and rested her chin on her hand failing to notice Adam and Savannah sleeping on the couch next to hers. It was just until Adam opened his eyes and stretched a little before she came out of her daze.

Amanda helped Adam up and in the process woke Savannah. The both of them were so excited to see their mother after so many hours that they jumped up and hugged her.

"Whoa, calm down now". Amanda said while trying to make them sit.

"Mummy where did you go? I missed you so much". Savannah said still clinging on to her mother.

"Dear, I went to work, now sit down". Amanda said as she carefully put Savannah on her lap.

" Ugh Adam, have you and Savannah eaten anything today?" Amanda said while slowly patting Savannah's head.

"We ate cereal this morning ".

"So you haven't eaten anything since then". Adam didn't reply but slowly nodded.

Amanda put her hand on her forehead. She couldn't believe what she had done. She left two underaged children at home alone for hours and went to work.

What if something happened to them ? Amanda couldn't believe she could be so irresponsible.

She got up slowly and put Savannah on the couch.

"What would you like to eat?"

"Spaghetti!" The two of them chorused while smiling widely.

Amanda went to the kitchen and looked through all the cabinets. After a while of searching, she could only find a few fruits and vegetables. The last pack of spaghetti that was left wasn't enough for three people.

She knew that the children were way more hungry than she was so she decided to make food for only them.

She boiled the water and emptied the last pack of spaghetti in it. Once the food was ready, she dished it brought the food to the living room for them to eat.

"Okay then, I've made your spaghetti, you can eat it now". Amanda said and was about to leave before Adam stopped her.

"But we're are you going?"

"I'm going to eat my dinner".

"But can't you eat it with us?" Amanda squatted to reach Adam's height and said.

"Adam look, you eat your food, brush your teeth, change your clothes and go to bed okay. I'll be taking you to my office tomorrow".

"Really".

" Yes. So it's best you go to bed early so I can take you to my office ?"

"I love you Mummy".

"Love you too".

...

The next morning, Amanda woke up early as usual and made breakfast.

Today was the first day of the special week and Amanda was already nervous. She has been working in Bentley Bakery for 6 years now and this is the second time they're running the fair. The first time, Amanda wasn't experienced enough with the oven so Trisha did most of the baking while Amanda worked the register. The event was a success and everyone that tasted their pastries, loved it. At the end of the day, both Amanda and Trisha got a raise in their paycheck.

But this year was going to be different. Instead of Mr and Mrs Bentley to determine their pay, it would be determined by how much they gain from selling the pastries at the end of the day.

Their baking skills are each going to be tested and their each going to come up with a different type of pastry that they're going to sell.

Through out yesterday, Amanda spent most of her time in the kitchen coming up with different ideas of pastries but nothing seemed to work.

With no hope left, she stayed in the kitchen looking at the mess she'd made when she suddenly heard a familiar voice call out to her. She turned around and met eyes with Trisha.

" What are you still doing here? The bakery closed an hour ago". Trisha said before noticing the mess in the kitchen. Amanda didn't say anything but just looked down at the floor.

" What's wrong? You know you can tell me anything". Amanda just broke down while Trisha tried to calm her down by softly patting her head.

" I'm not sure, I tried to come up with a nice dessert but nothing worked. I really really want to get a raise this year, I mean, we're running out of food supplies and their so many bills to pay". Amanda said, still crying on Trisha's shoulder.

"Okay wipe your tears, calm down. I understand what you're going through and I know how stressful this must be for you but what I'm going to tell you now is that this little fair isn't what you should be worried about. You have a family to take care of and I know that this money would help you but first I want you to calm down and think. All you have to do is go to that kitchen and make what's the most convenient for you, make the only dessert that you know you can use and win this thing". As soon as Trisha said that, Amanda suddenly felt like she was able to make an amazing dessert.

She went to the kitchen and decided to test out her signature blueberry pie. The only dessert that reminded her of her late husband.

She baked the pie and dished it for her and Trisha.

" Tell me, how does it taste?" Amanda said once they sat down.

"Uhh mm, wow, it tastes so good. You should use this recipe for the special week".

"Really? isn't it too dry or anything?"

"No, it's perfect".

Okay, let's fast-forward a bit to today.

Now, remembering what Trisha told her the day before, she's now fully confident in her abilities to impress all her customers.