Sweet Dreams: A Modern Fairytale

Part 1

Once upon a time, not so long ago, there was a young lady named Indigo. She lived with her step brother Rusty, step sister Coral, and stepmother Scarlett in a home outside the city. Indigo was often left with the chores since her siblings were irresponsible and lazy, wanting to play games and message their friends, while her step mother worked long hours. While it was a lot to take care of, Indigo didn’t mind all of the chores, even though she wished her siblings would pitch in more.
Indigo lived with her family, despite being an adult, to save money for her dream. She went to a culinary school every weekday and worked at a downtown cafe on the weekends. Her dream was to open her own bakery. However, no one really supported it, telling her to give up before she fails and owes a lot of money. Thus, Indigo was filled with doubt about her dream coming true, but she pursued it nonetheless.
It happened to be spring one year, and the enormous Spring Break party was going to be hosted by the Sterlings, a family viewed as royalty by the community. The Sterlings hosted the party every year, and their oldest, Forest, wasn’t interested. Considered “the prince” in status and personality, Forest truthfully didn’t enjoy being the center of attention. There was so much responsibility and many expectations put on him as the first-born Sterling, which made it difficult for Forest to feel like himself or even enjoy having fun. As such, the Spring Break party was the last thing he wanted to be involved with since he was EXPECTED to attend as one of the Sterlings, not Forest.
News of who would be invited buzzed to the culinary school Indigo attended. Only college students and older could attend due to the timing of the colleges’ spring breaks, which meant Indigo was eligible to go. When some of her classmates brought it up, she shrugged and answered them:
“I don’t have time to party. I need to work.”
Indigo’s instructor and mentor, Pastry Chef Rosemary, was given a special opportunity by the Sterlings: a student of her choosing would be given the honor of baking treats for the Spring Break party. After seeing all but one student distracted by the party gossip, Rosemary decided Indigo was best suited to the task. She asked Indigo to stay behind for a bit so they could discuss what the menu would be.
“Is there a guest list?” Indigo asked.
“I was given an estimate of 1,000 invitations sent, though it’s not a guarantee there will be 1,000 guests attending,” Rosemary said.
A thousand guests was a lot of people to feed. At least half of them had to be college students while the remaining guests were sponsors or parents. Indigo would have to make more food than she ever made before for an event.
“I’m not sure if I can do this,” Indigo spoke doubtfully.
“You’re the only one here who wants to work through your vacation. Besides, if this goes well, the Sterlings can recommend you to vendors, chefs, or sponsors who will support your dream. You can’t pass up this opportunity, Indigo. It’s too important.”
Pastry Chef Rosemary made an important point. If Indigo was going to make her dream a reality, she needed to start somewhere outside of her school and work. Indigo needed to make connections, and the Sterlings were the best people to connect with.
“Any chance you or someone can help me once we get a menu planned?”
“Indigo, I will help you as much as I’m allowed to. The rest has to be done by you,” Rosemary replied with a smile on her face. “Right now, we should come up with a menu for what you’re going to present at the party.”
After taking a deep breath, and a lot of coffee, Indigo and Rosemary came up with a list of snacks and treats to make for the enormous gathering. For the appetizers: there would be lamb samosas, spanakopita pockets, mini quiche lorraines, and vol-au-vent with carrots and peas for spring. For the desserts, pain au chocolat, cannolis, lavender Earl Grey shortbread cookies, strawberry cream puffs, pasteis de nata, and raspberry macarons with passion fruit cremeux. The last part was what to do about the centerpiece: the cake.
“Should we do cupcakes or have a tiered cake for decoration with sheet cake ready to slice and serve?” Indigo asked.
“Why not cake pops?”
“That’s too easy, and anyone can make a cake pop. It’s just leftover cake and frosting balled up and dipped in chocolate.”
Rosemary smiled. “Smart girl. I was pulling your leg with that one. Do the sheet cake. Most of the time, the college kids don’t care about a tiered cake during their vacation. They just want to eat the cake.”
“Okay. So lemon cake with blackberry icing, and I’ll ask someone from the art department to make a fake cake sculpture I can decorate for the party.”
Indigo had 2 weeks before the party to practice and prepare what recipes she wanted to use for her snacks and treats. She couldn’t practice at home, especially with her siblings getting excited about the party. Her step mom was a higher up who worked for the Sterlings, so her family was invited out of courtesy. Indigo could only work in her culinary school’s lab or the cafe kitchen, so she spent many long nights at both places. The work was so much, the chores were not being taken care of at home.
“Indigo! Why is the bathroom a mess? And why are my clothes not clean?” Rusty asked.
“My dresses are still in the wash! I need them for the party!” Coral whined.
“I’m working. I’m sorry. Maybe you should try to do your own laundry starting now so you’ll be ready to do it when I’m not here,” Indigo explained.
“Me? Do my own laundry?” Coral spoke, appalled. “Why should I? You do the chores for us!”
“Because no one else is doing them! I don’t see either of you stepping up to take care of your messes!” Indigo argued.
“MOM! INDIGO’S YELLING AT US!” Coral shouted.
“Coral, keep your voice down. A lady doesn’t shout. Indigo, take care of the chores,” Scarlett spoke.
“I need to finish the recipes for-”
“I don’t care. You will fail, so do yourself a favor and help around the house. It’s getting too messy.”
Indigo tried many times to explain how important her work was, that it would reflect badly on her and the family if she failed. But her step mom was always against her dream, constantly calling her a failure and a waste of money. As much as Indigo wanted to go against Scarlett, she promised her father she would support Scarlett because she was family.
Indigo worked harder than ever to finish her work for the party on time. The night before, however, there was a problem at the school lab: a water sprinkler leak spoiled all of the food left in the kitchen, including the cake. Indigo had some of the food ready to deliver in a truck, but it was not enough. She panicked and called Rosemary, crying as she explained what happened.
“I should’ve put the food in the truck last night! But I was so tired and Scarlett yelled at me and-”
“Indigo, take a deep breath for me. Okay? And another. Good. Now, what do you need to finish your order for the party?”
“A miracle,” Indigo sighed. “I need a miracle if I’m going to replace all the food I lost.”
Rosemary laughed softly. “Well, I can’t give miracles, but I can help. Do you have a stocked kitchen and extra hands to help?”
“I have some supplies but...”
“Okay. Send me a list of everything you need that’s missing, then get started with what you have. I’ll be right there.”
About an hour later, Rosemary came with the whole culinary faculty and at least 30 bags of supplies. Indigo was so relieved at the sight, she almost fell to the ground on her knees. Rosemary hugged Indigo.
“I know I said I could only help a little, but another characteristic of a great baker is knowing when to ask for help. And leadership is also an important trait in a baker, so you tell us what to do and which recipes to follow.”
Indigo nodded her head to Rosemary. After wiping her tears and taking a deep breath, Indigo directed the staff to their stations and what recipes they were to follow. In less than 15 minutes, the whole room was working in harmony at lightning speed to finish everything before the party started. Indigo drove the delivery truck to the Sterlings’ home with the food she had ready. She found Mrs. Sterling in the middle of a human whirlwind with chairs, balloons, and decorations flying all around.
“Mrs. Sterling? I have some of the pastries you ordered from me?”
“Wha- oh yes! Rosemary told me about you, Indigo! Thank you. You said some of the pastries are here?” she said.
“There was an accident at the college. I have a full staff working quickly to finish the order for the party. I apologize for the delay,” Indigo answered.
“I accept your apology. These things happen from time to time. Will you be attending the party? Your family was invited, so I assumed you would be here, too.”
“I… I haven’t had time to get ready for the party. I was focused on finishing the order. I don’t think I’ll be able to come, Mrs. Sterling.”
“Well that won’t do!”
Indigo was startled by Mrs. Sterling’s statement, as if she did something to wrong her.
“How about this? After you finish the delivery, come inside my house and I’ll get you dolled up for the party. You should enjoy yourself and I will help you do just that!”
Unable to refuse the generous offer, even if she wasn’t sure about accepting it in the first place, Indigo nodded her head before going back to the college. At that same moment, Forest Sterling was trying to sneak past the crowd of people waiting to start the Spring Break party. He got as far as the college delivery truck, just as Indigo opened the driver’s door. She saw Forest and was about to speak, but he stopped her.
“Please, don’t tell anyone I’m here! Can I tag along to wherever you’re going?”
She couldn’t get a word out before Forest spoke again.
“I’ll pay you. Do whatever you want. Just get me out of here.”
Indigo nodded her head slowly. Smiling, Forest jumped into the truck while Indigo got in the driver’s seat. They reached the college with no trouble, not a single fan girl or reporter to stop them. Indigo turned off the truck’s engine, then turned to face her stowaway.
“You’ll do whatever I want. Your exact words, right?”
“Yes. Within reason.”
“Good. Because you’re going to help with your party.”
Forest was dumbstruck. He just got away from the Spring Break party and he was going to help with it!?
“But-”
“Ah ah! You promised. I got you out, and you’re going to help me. I have too much work to do and my future is riding on my part in the party’s success. You don’t even have to go back! Deal?”
Forest’s mouth still hung open at Indigo’s demand. However, he couldn’t argue with her and she even gave a reasonable offer. He closed his mouth and nodded his head. Indigo got out of the truck and walked with her new set of hands to the kitchen.
“Where are we at with the cake!?” she shouted.
“Cake’s done baking! Waiting for it to cool before putting on the frosting!”
“Frosting’s ready?”
“Sitting in the fridge.”
Forest was in awe of Indigo’s command in the kitchen. He felt like he was in the middle of a whirlwind at the control of a weather wizard. Then Indigo came up to him with a chef’s gray apron.
“You’re gonna need this, unless you’re okay with getting your designer clothes dirty,” she stated with a smirk. “What’s your cooking skill level?”
“Uhh…”
“Nonexistent? What’s your major?”
“I, uh, I’m in business,” Forest answered.
“You good with numbers?”
“Sorta…”
“Not gonna cut it. Baking is an exact science. If the numbers are off, the food’s not right, and people notice!”
Suddenly, a loud crash startled everyone.
“My bad!”
Indigo sighed. “Freshmen. I swear…”
Before Forest could answer her comment, Indigo investigated the disturbance. He was left standing at the edge of the kitchen with the apron in his hands. He wasn’t sure about what he could do. Did he want to help with the party? No. Was he obligated to help? After forcing Indigo to help him, yes. Did he know how? Not yet.
“Admiring the view?”
Forest jumped, finding Rosemary just behind him. He was caught off-guard.
“I’m… just, uh…”
“Waiting? Like last week at lunch rush? Or the week before during-”
“SSHHH!”
Rosemary smiled slyly at Forest’s panicked expression. She noticed Forest hanging around outside the kitchen to catch a glimpse at Indigo since the fall semester. Of course, Indigo was oblivious and more interested in succeeding as a bona fide culinary expert. Rosemary thought the little drama was cute, like a schoolboy peeking in the classroom window to see his crush working at the chalkboard on a problem. However, she wanted to see a little more progress in the adorable story unfolding.
“I’m not going to say anything. For now,” Rosemary promised.
“Thank you,” Forest said, sighing with relief. “I just… I’m not sure if…”
“If she shares the same feeling?”
“Yeah…”
“Well… the best romances I’ve seen start as friendships in the beginning. Have you tried becoming her friend?”
“...no. What am I supposed to say? ‘Hi, my name is Forest Sterling. Would you like to be my friend?’ She knows who I am, yet she isn’t trying to cling to my arm like the rest of the campus.”
Rosemary understood what Forest was talking about: the heir to an empire, prince of the campus, and the popularity and looks fitting for a fairytale- none of which Forest really wanted. She’s known him since he set foot in college and could tell from the beginning how uncertain and lonely he truly was. It only made it harder for him to find real friends.
“I don’t know what to do, Rosemary. She’s smart, talented, funny… pretty… even with flour in her hair. How do I tell an amazing girl like that how I-”
“You there!”
Forest turned to see Indigo coming up to him.
“I need to put you to work. How much can you lift?” Indigo asked.
“I, uh, I can lift 50 pounds, I think?”
“Really? Lift that flour sack behind you.”
Forest turned around and picked up the sack. It was pretty heavy for him, barely lifting it a few inches off the pile. Indigo sighed, shaking her head. She had to rethink her plan.
“Put it down. I’ll have you carry a tray at a time to the van. I’ll have to do the cake last. I need that cake sculpture ASAP…”
Indigo mumbled a bit more as she tried to figure out next steps. Forest pondered about what he could do to help besides bringing food to the van. He didn’t want to drive the van because the press and fans would catch him outside his home. He also didn’t want to stand around doing nothing: he promised to help and doing nothing doesn’t help. Forest looked around to see what still needed to be done. Everyone was either mixing, shaping, or decorating their assigned pastry. The desserts would look stunning without a doubt, but-
“How are you displaying the pastries?” he asked Indigo.
“Huh? Oh, I thought your mom would have something to put them on, leave it to the staff to arrange them. She’s hosting, anyway. Why?”
“Well… what if I, that is… what if I made the stands or whatever to show off the goods at the party?” Forest asked, embarrassed by his suggestion. He started to put on the apron Indigo gave him earlier.
“You want to make the cake stand and pastry displays for the party?”
“I’m really good with my hands when I’m working with wood, and this year, the Spring Break party is more woodland chic than high tea. Mom was inspired by the menu you came up with and wanted to change the party a little.”
Indigo stared at Forest, not sure how to answer him. He offered something unexpected and basically complimented her work for the party. Even Mrs. Sterling, known for her incredible style, liked Indigo’s work!
“Just tell me what you’re looking for and I’ll get started with making them,” he continued, picking up a small notepad and pen the servers use.
Forest was determined to help in a way that made sense, and this was it. It wasn’t a major thing, but if it helped Indigo’s reputation as a talented baker, he wanted to try. He held his breath as he waited for her answer.
“How fast can you make them? The displays.”
“What did you have in mind?”
After some thought, Indigo explained what she was thinking: a large cake stand for the sculpture, dessert stairs for some of the appetizers and the cream puffs and pain au chocolat, large bowls for the lamb samosas and spanakopita pockets, multi-tiered stands for the cookies and cannolis, an open honeycomb display for the remaining dessert pastries, and a couple serving trays for the sheet cake. After writing down all the things she wanted, Forest looked at the list. It was a tall order, and there were only a couple hours left before the party would start. Luckily, his family had some of the serving trays he made years ago for his mom’s tea parties in the past that would work for the cake, and the 2 ft. cherry wood salad bowls would hold the samosas and spanakopita. He knew there were some multi-tiered displays stored away, but wasn’t sure where they were or if they would match the theme.
“I’ll call my mom and ask her to pull out a few things at home for the party. She’ll know what I’m talking about. I’ll get started on the stairs for the appetizers and desserts before doing the cake stand and honeycomb display,” Forest spoke, confident in his plan.
“Okay. Um, I’ll… leave you to… it.”
Indigo left, still stunned by Forest’s decision. She only knew him by reputation, not personally, so for him to offer his help in an unexpected way left Indigo confused. Regardless, she had to focus on her end of the work: the food. Forest left for the campus woodshop to get started on his part. As the pair separated to do what they needed, Rosemary looked on with a smile on her face, pleased with the way things were turning out for her main characters.
An hour passed, and Indigo was done with half of the desserts while Forest finished all of the dessert stairs. Rosemary took the display from Forest so he could keep going with his list. She packed them in the van with the desserts and drove to the Sterlings’ estate. A couple of staff members were waiting for her and helped bring in the desserts while Rosemary brought the displays. She met with Mrs. Sterling briefly and they chatted for a bit.
“I was surprised to hear my son call me and ask if I could pull out a few things from storage for the party. He said Indigo asked for them, so I didn’t question it. But… is there something I’m missing?” Mrs. Sterling asked.
“Oohh, nothing to worry about. Forest hitched a ride with Indigo and got roped into helping her for tonight. It’s really sweet when you think about it,” Rosemary answered, smiling the whole way.
“Is it?”
“You should’ve seen him. He looked like a puppy in front of her: lost, confused, yet still enamored.”
“I’m still surprised he managed to talk to her. It’s all he could talk about last year, poor thing. It’s the second time he’s had a real crush, and that first one ended so badly. Forest stayed in the workshop for a weekend in November, making bowls and spoons he never gave to her. I’m worried about him.”
“Fern, I promise: Forest will be alright. Indigo is a little oblivious to his affections, but she sees true value in the people around her. If all goes well tonight, those two will end up just like a fairytale. Now, let’s get the appetizers organized with the displays your son made.”
Meanwhile, Indigo was finishing the macarons with a touch of gold leaf at the center of the tops. She wanted to do it herself so she could personally make sure each macaron was perfect before placing them in the box for the party. The artist Indigo reached out to for the cake sculpture, Lacey, dropped off the final product just outside the kitchen. It was a masterpiece: pink cherry blossoms branched from bottom to top with the occasional butterfly and a touch of silvery streaks. The topper was going to be a real cake for the Sterlings to cut into for the party, the last thing Indigo needed to decorate for the party.
“Sug, are the cream puffs done?”
“Yes, chef! Loading them in the van now!”
“Get the macarons while you’re at it. Honey! Sienna! Get the sculpture to the venue! I’ll meet you there with the topper!”
“Yes, chef!”
Indigo pulled out the topper, setting it on the cake decorating counter. Then she pulled out a palette, a couple brushes, some food coloring gel, and a bottle of plain vodka. She put the individual colors in the palette, thinning out the gel with the vodka. Carefully, she painted on the branches and stuck on the fondant cherry blossoms, taking extra care to not shake or panic with time running out. It was quite time consuming. Finally, she stepped back to look at the artwork.
“It’s missing something…”
A knock from behind grabbed her attention. Forest came in with the main cake stand and stared at the cake.
“I, uh, finished the parts. The honeycomb displays are in the van heading to the party. All that’s missing is… the centerpiece.”
He walked up to Indigo to take a closer look at the cake she was working on.
“It’s missing some silver. To match the rest of the cake! Not because it’s my family’s color, or anything…” he spoke, trying to not sound like a fool.
Indigo walked over to the decorations and pulled out a jar of edible silver luster dust. She made a few delicate quick sweeps on the cake, then blew on the brush, sending the edible sparkles all over the cake. Indigo stepped back, standing next to Forest.
“It’s perfect.”
Forest nodded his head, looking at Indigo with a smile on his face. She looked up at him, smiling as well. Then she quickly looked away and cleared her throat.
“We should get going. The party already started and the cake’s missing its topper,” she stated quickly.
“R-right. Let’s pack up and head over,” Forest agreed, a little sad the moment was lost.
They packed up the last of the pieces and headed to the venue. It was bursting at the seams with college students and older adults crowding the main gate, forcing Indigo and Forest to go around the back. Rosemary was waiting for them with a pair of waitstaff. Just as Indigo and Forest got out of the van, Fern Sterling pulled Indigo inside without a moment to waste.
“Uh… Mrs. Sterling? I really should make sure the cake and rest of the desserts are all set on-”
Fern Sterling cut Indigo off. “No time for that, my dear! I told you I would dress you for tonight and I intend to keep my promise.”
“But-”
They were already at the doors to a room in the mansion. Fern pushed her way through, pulling Indigo inside. Her jaw dropped at the sight of dresses, shoes, and accessories displayed in the room like a personal boutique, or a fashion designer’s studio. Fern was at a rack of dresses, pushing over gown after gown in disapproval.
“None of these! Where is the latest from Aurora? It should be in here, somewhere!”
“It’s this rack, madam,” a servant pointed out.
“Thank you, Hazel. Indigo, come here.”
Indigo walked up to Mrs. Sterling, hesitantly. The rack of clothes Fern Sterling was looking at had a wide selection of spring themed dresses, many of which were shades of blue. Suddenly, a dress was off the rack and in front of Indigo.
“This… is definitely your size… and the color is perfect! There’s a screen by the shoes you can change behind. Try it on!”
Moments later, Indigo stepped out in the dress Mrs. Sterling picked out. The servants in the rooms stopped to stare in awe. It was a tea-length wrap dress with sheer sleeves to just before the elbows, streaks of silver and patches of purple flowers in the light blue A-line skirt. The top part was simple, not an accent in sight along the V-neckline. The best part? It was a perfect fit.
Fern Sterling looked from head to toe at Indigo, deciding how to finish the look.
“Hazel, bring the heels Aurora made for this year's collection. Not the tall ones! A shorter heel would be better.”
Fern played with Indigo’s dark hair, choosing to leave it down. Then she walked to a cream table with necklaces and earrings, picking up an amethyst beaded necklace with a flower pendant and a pair of long silver bar earrings. After choosing a pair of white, strappy, kitten heel sandals, and convincing Indigo to try them on, Fern took a moment to admire the ensemble, smiling with approval.
“It’s perfect. Absolutely perfect.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Sterling. It’s… are you sure I can wear this?”
“Of course! And, as a bonus, I have a special piece for you for tonight. It’s a bit of a masquerade for friends of my husband and me, so I have a mask for you. Think of it as… a way to hide from your family and friends tonight, to enjoy the party as a proper guest,” Fern answered earnestly.
Indigo took one last look in the mirror at her makeover, including the 2-piece purple lacy stick-on mask Fern gave her. The whole look was practically a dream, on a night that was a dream itself. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of the room and walked downstairs, following the waitstaff to the venue.
Forest looked out his bedroom window as he dressed in his white shirt and dark green dress pants. He got dragged away by Rosemary and the staff before he could catch up with Indigo, especially after they shared a moment in the kitchen. And now, he couldn’t find her. She wasn’t in the crowd of college students dressed in pastels and bright spring colors. She wasn’t with the waitstaff or his father’s friends. Speaking of which, his father came into his room with a box.
“Your mother had this set aside ahead of time for you,” his father spoke, looking at the box then Forest. “Nervous?”
“Of what? The mob of fans?”
Forest turned back to the window, smirking a bit. Hunter Sterling stepped closer, placing the box on a side table. He sighed, tapping Forest’s shoulder. Forest turned to look at his father as he put on the heather gray jacket, adjusting the cuffs.
“I know you’re not as interested in taking over the business. The college called to tell you about your numerous missed classes, and how you’re failing those courses.”
Forest looked down, away from his father.
“But I’m not mad.”
Forest’s head went back up.
“Really?” he asked.
Hunter smiled as he straightened the jacket collar, smoothing out the shoulders.
“As much as I would like you to take over for me one day, you’re not ready, and it doesn’t make you happy. You need to do what’s best for you, not what everyone else wants from you. So… I’m telling the college to remove you from your current courses for the rest of the semester.”
“Dad-”
“It’s fine. The only thing I ask is you tell me if you need a hand with whatever you plan to do. I’ll help however you need me to. Got it?”
Forest glanced outside the window, then nodded at his father.
“Shake on it?”
Hunter chuckled and shook hands with Forest. He turned to leave the room.
“Dad?”
“Hm?”
Forest picked up the box, turning it in his hand a bit.
“How do you ask a girl to go out with you when she isn’t interested in dating?”
Hunter stared wide-eyed at his son at his question, shocked, then smiled wide.
Indigo stood just outside the door to the venue, staring at the sea of color and people. She finally caught a glimpse of the cake she made and inched her head closer to get a better look at her work and its admirers.
“It’s impressive, to say the least,” one woman commented.
“I heard only the top is a cake, the rest is a sculpture. How lazy,” another scoffed.
“The Sterlings found someone cheap. And I thought Fern was-”
“Was what, Ruby?”
Indigo watched as Fern Sterling came up behind the ladies, who were startled by her sudden appearance. It was quite a scene.
“Fern! I was about to say-”
“Something lovely and candid about the pastry chef I chose this year?”
“Ah- yes! I, well, I-I think this cake has lovely details on it. Perfect for the theme this year!” Ruby answered quickly, hiding her embarrassment.
“I know. My son recommended them to me personally.”
Ruby shut her mouth before she said another comment that would insult Fern or the Sterlings. Smiling, Indigo stepped into the crowd, assured Fern had the situation under control. Every now and then, as she weaved her way through the sea of guests, she heard a comment about the food she made. Some of them were “okay”, but the majority of them were positive, even high praise of her talent.
“What is this!?”
Indigo spun around to find her stepmother standing next to the table with the Venetian Hour spread she made earlier. She hid herself as best as possible.
“This display is so tacky! Last wedding season! Criminal! Oh where is that stupid girl? Coral? CORAL!”
Scarlett walked away in search of her daughter. Indigo walked up to the table and looked at the displays for her desserts. Her heart sank at her stepmother’s comment. She knew Forest worked hard to make them after offering to help. If only Scarlett knew she insulted the son of the Sterlings…
“Enjoying yourself?”
Indigo saw a young man standing next to her. He was wearing a dark green mask with alternating black diamonds. It matched his pants and the rest of the ensemble. His presence caught her off-guard.
“Uhh… yes. I… am, thank you for asking.”
She felt like she knew the young man, but it wasn’t clicking for her.
“So how do you know the Sterlings?” he asked.
“My… stepmom works for Hunter Sterling. She’s a secretary supervisor.”
“Ahh…”
“And you?” Indigo asked the young man.
“College buddies got invited. Thought I’d join them.”
Indigo nodded her head, the awkward silence filling the space.
“Have you tried the food?” she asked.
“Not yet.”
Indigo offered one of the shortbreads. The young man took a bite.
“That’s amazing.”
Indigo’s smile grew wide, restoring her faith in her hard work.
“This should be in a store. And the display works for this cookie,” the young man praised.
“Really?”
“Well, yeah. I think the cookie speaks for itself. And the displays here are well made. Whoever made these knows what they’re doing.”
Forest wasn’t one for praising himself, but seeing Indigo down made him want to lift her spirits in some way. Based on her reaction to his comment, it was working, and Indigo didn’t seem to recognize him.
“Do you know who made these cookies?” he asked, knowing the answer.
Indigo chuckled nervously, not sure how to respond. She was told at the beginning by Rosemary to not reveal her identity. Granted, Indigo attempted to explain to Scarlett and her stepsiblings how important the task was, but none of them believed her or knew the Sterlings recruited her. So how could a stranger believe she’s the mysterious caterer?
“Do you?” Forest asked again.
“N-No. Sorry.”
“It’s okay. I’ll find out after the party. But first… wanna dance?”
“I’m not really good at dancing…” Indigo mumbled. “Plus, I haven’t danced in years, so I’d be terrible.”
“Nah. Just trust me. All you have to do is keep your eyes on me and I’ll do all the work,” Forest assured Indigo, offering his hand.
Indigo was hesitant. She barely knew the young man, and she was thrown into the party as a guest, a role she rarely played. However, she could hear Rosemary whispering in her ear to go have some fun.
“Promise you won’t laugh at me while I dance?”
“I promise to not laugh at you.”
Indigo took Forest’s hand. They walked to the dancefloor together, many eyes staring at the pair. Indigo felt more flustered than before, but Forest squeezed her hand. She took a breath as she stood in front of him.
“Keep your eyes on me,” he whispered.
They placed their hands on each other as “Crave” by Kiesza started to play. Indigo looked up and followed Forest as he moved with the music.
Sways.
Side hops.
Spins.
Side steps.
Lip-syncing.
Smiles.
Indigo moved with ease, forgetting how nervous she was before and all the eyes glued to her and Forest. She laughed with every twirl and clumsy step she made. Forest kept his word: he didn’t laugh at her. He did chuckle from time to time, but it was candid and with something akin to love.
The pair danced for the next two songs: another pop piece and a ballad. Many of the couples on the floor kept to themselves, lost in each other. However, those hanging on the edge were wondering who the mysterious couple were that took the floor. Among the singles and clusters, Coral and Rusty, both in bold fiery colors, stared in disbelief. Rusty was standing with his friends, the same group of friends Forest hung around, while Coral was alone until her mother joined her.
“Coral! I have been looking for you for ages! Come with me!”
Scarlett grabbed her daughter’s arm, to which Coral protested.
“MOM! Let go of me! I just want to see Forest Sterling.”
“As if he would be in this crowd of plebians! He should be with his parents right now, and they’re about to give a toast!”
“Here’s right there! Dancing with some girl!”
Scarlett paused briefly to see where her daughter was pointing. She squinted her eyes, not sure if the young man wearing the green slacks and mask was Forest Sterling.
“That’s not him.”
“Mom, I’m sure of it! I’ve watched him on campus with Rusty. He’ll say the same thing. Where did he- Rusty!”
Coral quickly ran over to her brother.
“Rusty! That guy over there, with the green pants and gray jacket- that’s Forest, right? I’m not dreaming, right?”
“Yeah, that’s him. But I don’t know about the babe. Never seen her with him before. Hang on…”
Rusty looked a little longer, Coral following him. She sneered at the sight.
“She’s a tramp. And she looks like a cotton candy fairy. Stupid…”
Scarlett’s jaw dropped at the sight. She could see that the young man was in fact Forest Sterling, but she was more surprised by his dancing partner: her stepdaughter. Her eyes wide and lips pursed together, she began to storm toward the pair. However, the thick crowd of dancers made it hard for Scarlett to reach where she saw Forest and Indigo, who were gone. She bit her lip, seething in frustration.
“Where did that brat go?” she muttered under her breath.
Indigo and Forest took a break from the dance floor for a glass of water, exhausted from the dancing and laughing. After they each finished a glass, they took a moment to catch their breath.
“You were pretty good out there!”
“Not so bad yourself,” Indigo replied.
“Listen… I know a spot around here that’s nice and quiet. Found it last year. We could sneak some cookies, and maybe a drink or two, and just relax for a while. How does that sound?” Forest offered, finally catching his breath.
Indigo was hesitant. “How do I know you have the Sterlings’ permission?”
“If I was here last year, and I wasn’t in trouble, then I’m pretty sure the Sterlings’ won’t mind.”
Indigo decided to take a chance with the mysterious young man, unaware he was the young Sterling heir. She and Forest filled a pair of plates with the cookies and pastries she made. Then the pair walked away from the crowd and headed to a secluded part of the garden, wandering through the budding trees and bushes on the brick path. At the end, a weeping cherry tree in bloom stood tall and towering. Lanterns hung from a few branches, surrounding a small table and a pair of chairs under the soft pink flowers. Forest pulled aside a few branches to let Indigo in as she stared in awe at the tree and the setting.
“This is… I… I-I…”
Forest chuckled, glad to see Indigo too stunned for words. He took the plate in her hands and put it on the tea tower on the table with his plate of goods. He turned to face her.
“What do you think?”
“I-it’s beautiful… how…”
“Supposedly, according to the family story, this tree was planted as soon as the family mansion was built a few generations ago. The first Mrs. Sterling was a fan of cherry blossoms, apparently,” Forest casually answered.
Indigo finally turned her attention to the table. It had the tea tower in the center, a pair of blue china teacups on either end, and a matching teapot next to the tower. Forest already had a chair pulled away for her to sit in.
“M’lady,” he spoke, gesturing to the seat.
Indigo sat down while Forest opened a silver tea box on the table, pulling out a muslin sachet of loose leaf tea.
“I assume earl grey with a hint of cornflower and mallow is acceptable?” he asked, a smirk fixed on the corner of his mouth.
“Yes, it is. How did you-”
“-know earl grey is your favorite? Lucky guess, but I’m a fan of it myself.”
After putting the bag into the teapot and turning a small hourglass, Forest took a seat across from Indigo. He took a couple of lavender shortbreads and a strawberry cream puff, then placed them on a small plate by his teacup.
“So… question,” Indigo started.
“Ask away.”
“How did you know I would come with you? How do you know who I am?”
Forest laughed.
“That’s 2 questions, but I’ll answer them. In regards to the second question, I’ve seen you on campus with Professor Bramble. She spends a lot of time with you, and she’s a respected member of the community.”
“So you know me through Rosemary,” Indigo said. “How do you know her?”
“She’s known me since I was a kid. I was a bit of a brat, and she helped straighten me out by hanging around the kitchen.”
Indigo wasn’t surprised by the young man’s answer: lots of students know Rosemary from their childhood when she visited the school kitchen for the holidays. It’s what gave Indigo the idea of starting her own bakery.
“And to answer your first question… I just had a feeling.”
Now Indigo laughed.
“You had a feeling that I was going to dance with you and follow you to this secret tea party you prepared?”
“Well… yeah.”
Indigo chuckled at the young man’s confidence.
“That was quite a gamble. What if I said no?”
“I guess… I would have to be more persuasive,” Forest teased.
“Really? And how would you persuade me?”
Forest glanced at the timer and saw that it was almost empty. He stood up and stalked up to the teapot. He looked at Indigo.
“Cream or sugar?”
Indigo sighed through her nose, then answered, “Less than a spoon of sugar and a splash of cream.”
Forest took a small scoop of sugar from a sugar dish and spilled it into the teacup, then he poured the tea. He added the cream in a single swirl around the cup.
“Was I really that easy to unmask?” Indigo asked.
Forest shrugged as he poured his own cup, adding only cream.
“You stood out in a crowd where everyone else is a peacock. And I wasn’t expecting you to join the party.”
“Yeah, it wasn’t my first choice. But Mrs. Sterling insisted I get dolled up.”
“I’ve heard she can be adamant, but she means well.”
Indigo smiled, taking a sip of her tea. It was a perfect cup. She was curious how the young man in front of her was so talented at being a gentleman, almost straight out of a fairytale or a butler cafe. She took one of her cookies and nibbled on it.
“How’s the tea?”
“It’s good. Thank you for making it.”
“You’re welcome.”
Indigo blushed a bit, looking around at the setting. The lanterns had real candles inside, and the tea set wasn’t part of the Spring Break party the Sterlings’ hosted.
“How did you get everything set up?”
Forest stopped mid-sip. He didn’t want to admit he got the idea from his dad and then asked the staff to help, the same staff peeping through the budding azaleas. Not wanting to give away their position or his identity, Forest cleared his throat, gently putting the cup down.
“I, uh… saw Rosemary! And… I asked her for a favor since she knew the Sterlings and the mansion staff. She knows you and seemed like the best person to help me set up this little secret tea party. For you, of course.”
“Uh huh.”
Indigo smiled sweetly, not sure if he was telling the truth. She didn’t doubt his sincerity, or the fact he asked for help from someone. She continued to drink her tea and eat the sweets she made. Forest did the same, stealing glances of Indigo as she enjoyed the tea and sweets as well as the garden view surrounding them. He wasn’t nervous anymore, although the mask helped because he didn’t have to be Forest Sterling. He could just be a guy. An average, totally normal guy.
“So, tell me about yourself. Why did you go into cooking?” he asked Indigo, pouring another cup of tea for himself.
“Ohhh… let’s see if I can dust the cobwebs.”
The pair laughed at the little joke.
“I watched Rosemary making a cake at school when I was in 3rd grade. My dad was dropping me off and the kitchen door was open. It looked like magic. Of course, I never had the cake- it was for a teacher’s birthday. But…”
Indigo couldn’t finish the thought. She stared at her half full cup of tea, thinking about her dad. He supported her dream of baking, buying books and pastries every chance he could. He tried everything she made, even the burned cookies and raw cakes when she tried a completely new recipe, and told her she was making progress with every bake.
“Dad never got the chance to try my yule log cake. I was making it for Christmas, after practicing for months, and… he hit a patch of black ice. Died at the hospital before I got there.”
Indigo wore a solemn expression behind the stick-on mask. Forest remembered her father and how the town mourned for him. He reached out his hand and gently placed it on hers.
“I heard he was a good man. Loved his family, especially you.”
“He was the best.”
Indigo looked up at Forest. She forgot the last time she talked about her father. It had been years, ever since she was thrown into the household chores and schooling to get out of the house as soon as possible.
“I’m happy to listen to you talk about your dad, if you want to. I’m also okay with talking about other stuff.”
“Thank you,” Indigo replied, smiling.
For the next 15 minutes, Indigo talked about her father. Forest listened to everything, not missing a single detail. They went through all of the tea, forcing Forest to step away to get another pot of hot water. Luckily, a staff member noticed and helped as soon as Forest was out of sight from Indigo.
“How’s it going over there?”
“It’s… going, I think. Thanks for the quick save, Hazel.”
“Of course, sir! And I promise: not a word to your mother.”
“Somehow, I doubt that,” Forest remarked.
“I’ll make sure Hazel doesn’t tell her.”
“Thank you, Rosemary.”
“Now, your mom and dad are going to cut the cake soon and they’re expecting you to be there. They’re also planning to announce Indigo as this year’s baker. So, not to rush, but you have less than an hour before you need to get back to the party.”
“An hour. Got it.”
Forest came back to the table and made another pot of earl grey. Indigo waited again for the tea to brew before starting another conversation.
“What about you? What’s your life story?” Indigo asked.
“Mine’s really boring.”
“Try me,” she insisted.
Forest sighed, not sure what to really share.
“My dad wants me to go into the family business. My mom worries about me not having a girlfriend. And I don’t have a lot of real friends to talk with.”
“Really? You seem like the kind of guy who’s got everything.”
“Yeah. Everything, but not what I want,” Forest replied sadly.
“What do you want?”
There was a pause, the distant music and chatter filling the air.
“I want to work with my hands. I want friends to see me. I want the girl I like to see… me.”
Indigo blinked. He confessed to having a crush, but not who.
“I… had a girlfriend in the past. It was nice for a couple months. But she kept trying to change me. Getting me to dress more like a model, bringing her to club after club, constant people-pleasing and pleasing her… and then I overheard her talking to some other girls. She said she only liked my looks and popularity, and she already had another boyfriend lined up after she planned to break up with me.”
Indigo sipped her tea as she listened to his story, feeling sorry for him. Forest sat back in his seat, shaking his head.
“I broke up with her unannounced and warned her next-in-line boyfriend that she was going to use him. He didn’t believe me, but they broke up after 2 weeks. I decided to take a break from dating. Just… no more nonsense.”
Another pause stood between Indigo and Forest as they sat in silence for a moment, thinking. Forest leaned forward in his seat, looking directly at Indigo.
“Then I saw a girl in the college cafeteria. And she… looked so studious and focused on her work. She also worked together with her friends. I felt kinda jealous because I wanted that. So… I watched her every time I came to the cafeteria. I know: I sound like a stalker. But it made me appreciate how I had something I like to do, but I never had the guts to pursue it so passionately.”
“Sounds like an inspiration.”
“She is…”
“So why haven’t you asked her out?”
“I don’t have a lot of experience asking girls out. Most of them ask me to hang out with them. Same with the guys.”
Forest was embarrassed to admit the truth, but he wasn’t Forest in front of Indigo at that moment. He was just a guy talking with a girl, and asking for her opinion.
“You’re worried she’s gonna reject you?” Indigo asked.
“I don’t know if she knows who I am, and I don’t know if I’m her type.”
“Have you at least talked with her?”
“Uh, yeah. I have,” Forest replied.
“And she didn’t turn you down or ignore you, right?”
“Not really…”
“Then ask her out for a cup of coffee, or tea, in this case,” Indigo answered, smiling playfully. “At the very least, you two will end up as friends, assuming you’re not hiding something or a massive jerk.”
Indigo made a reasonable and valid point: there was no harm in just ending up as friends with someone you liked. Granted, she herself had no romantic experience, but she had her fair share of friends.
“Thank you. For listening.”
“You’re welcome. And thank you for tea. And the dancing.”
“No problem,” Forest spoke candidly.
The pastries were almost gone as the pair continued to chat and pause in the evening dream under the weeping cherry tree. The music stopped, allowing the spring air to fill the silence. Forest forgot he was supposed to go for the cake cutting, forcing Rosemary to emerge from the garden to disturb the pair.
“Excuse me, young man, but I think someone’s looking for you with the rest of the party.”
Forest looked confused, until Rosemary tapped her watch. Realizing he was late, he stood up quickly and cleared his throat.
“Excuse me, I forgot I have somewhere to be. Uh… we can talk more later, right?”
“Of course. It was… really nice.”
Forest smiled, slightly bowing to her, as he excused himself. Indigo watched as the young man hurried out of the garden to the party. Rosemary tapped her shoulder.
“So… how’s the party, Indigo?”
“I, uh… well… it’s… fun.”
“Uh, huh. You need to come with me. The Sterlings are going to cut into the cake in about 5 minutes, and you need to be there so they can reveal you as the baker this year.”
“But what about-”
“You’ll see him again, I’m sure. Come on.”
Indigo got up and walked with Rosemary to the party, hidden in the crowd. Up ahead, Fern and Hunter Sterling stood next to the cake, ready to cut the top. Indigo kept her eyes fixed on the couple until a flamboyant pink and orange dress caught her attention in the corner of her eye. Coral was scanning the crowd with her mother. Indigo followed their gaze, to find her brother Rusty talking with the young man she had tea with. Rusty was… really friendly with him, like they knew each other. Indigo’s heart sank at the sight.
“So that’s how he actually knows me,” she muttered.
Not sure she wanted to find out the truth while facing the crowd, Indigo turned and made her way to the mansion, seeking the servants’ hallway. She looked for Hazel, hoping she could undo the magic Fern Sterling cast.
Forest made his way up to his parents, scanning the crowd for Indigo. She was nowhere in sight. He found Rosemary, who was looking around as well. He turned to his mother and father.
“She’s not here.”
“Nonsense. She has to be here for us to announce her to our guests,” Hunter whispered.
“Forest, where would she go?” Fern asked her son.
“I… I don’t know. I thought she would be with Rosemary, but she’s looking, too. I should find her.”
“No,” Fern spoke, stopping Forest. She smiled. “I have an idea.”
“Fern? What are you planning?” Hunter asked, his tone laced with concern.
“Well, it seems we have a Cinderella conundrum,” she mused, smirking playfully. “Why not indulge it just this once?”
“Oh no…” Hunter groaned.
“What? Dad, what’s she talking about?”
Fern turned to face her guests, a bright smile shining on her face. Her emerald mermaid gown’s beading sparkled in the party lights as she prepared to speak.
“Thank you so much for attending our annual Spring Break Ball. As we come to a close of tonight’s festivities, we usually announce the name of the chosen baker to acknowledge their efforts in providing the refreshments. However… this year, our star baker is not here with us to receive the exclusive catering contract with our family’s business. Instead, we are going to offer a reward, of your choosing, for the first person to bring forward the mystery baker. As a sign of good faith, my son Forest will be in charge of the search and presenting the reward to the winner.”
The girls in the crowd gasped, shrieked, and even fainted upon hearing Forest would be the one to give whatever reward the winner wanted. The guys showed less excitement, but still seemed interested. The business guests of the Sterlings whispered among themselves as Fern Sterling cut the top of the cake. She took a slice and shared it with Hunter and Forest. The three of them had the same thought: Indigo deserved to be recognized for her work.
Meanwhile, Scarlett was stunned by the announcement. Every year, the Sterlings presented the baker without question. But it was different, and it was an opportunity. She could make her mark as not only a talented employee of Hunter Sterling, but also gain a place at the Sterlings’ table. All she had to do was find out the baker’s name. She walked up to Rusty.
“Rusty, did Forest Sterling tell you who the baker this year was?”
“Wha- no. Guy never said.”
“But he HAD to mention someone, right?”
“Uhh… maybe? He said someone on campus usually picks. Something about giving a student the best opportunity of their life?”
“So the baker is a student… Rusty, who picks the student?”
“I don’t know! Ma, why are you asking me? Shouldn’t you ask Indi this? She’s always in the kitchen on campus.”
Scarlett paused. Indigo was her only source of validation to her deceased husband’s property, so she was obligated to help. If Scarlett’s plan worked out, she could let go of her dead husband’s property, whatever was left, in exchange for the prestige and wealth of the Sterlings. It would be a win-win for Scarlett as well as Indigo. Which brought something to Scarlett’s attention…
“Coral, where did that girl dancing with Forest earlier go? Did you see her come back?”
“No, Mother. Haven’t seen her since Forest disappeared earlier.”
“She went into the mansion,” Rusty spoke up. “I saw that pretty thing running up the stairs after catching up with Forest.”
“That TRAMP was practically throwing herself on him!”
“Enough! Both of you- we’re going home. Nothing else for us to do here.”
“But Mother-”
“Coral, stop whining. You can see Forest when spring break is over.”
As Scarlett dragged her children away, Indigo headed to the van. She was finally back in the clothes she wore before the party. Hazel kept trying to keep her around, insisting she stay for the rest of the night. Indigo politely refused.
She reached the campus and went into the kitchen to clean up. When she got inside, the whole kitchen was spotless. Not a sign in sight of the chaos she orchestrated. Sugar, Honey, and Sienna were waiting by one of the workbenches, drinking coffee.
“Thank you for cleaning up, guys,” Indigo said to them.
“That was nothing,” Sugar answered. He turned to face her. “So… spill the tea.”
“... it was amazing.”
Sienna pulled a stool out for Indigo. She took a seat and the trio leaned in to listen to the details. Indigo didn’t miss a single detail: the cake, the food, the decorations, the music, the dance floor… and Indigo paused as she thought about the dancing.
“Uh oh. I know that look. I’ve seen it a thousand times,” Honey spoke up, grinning from ear to ear and wagging her eyebrows.
“Girl, same. It’s about time,” Sugar added as he grabbed a fresh pot of coffee.
“What look?”
“Indi, you’ve got someone on your mind. Who’s Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome?”
“It’s not like that, Sug. I just… had a good time with some.”
Sienna leaned back, “It’s some ‘good time’ you had to have that dreamy eye look on your face.”
“It was just fun to not be me, the student chef who’s in the shadows.”
Sugar nodded his head as he poured a cup of coffee with cream for Indigo. She took the mug and held it in her hands, contemplating.
“He was… funny, kind, and didn’t really care about anyone else except for me and how I was feeling. He knew I liked Earl Grey… and he knew who I was.”
Indigo took a sip of the coffee, then got up to add a little vanilla extract.
“How does he know you?” Sienna asked.
“He’s seen me in the cafeteria. So do a thousand other people that pass through here. But I saw him talking with Rusty, and it looked like they’re friends.”
Indigo was frustrated by the young man: someone she opened up to on a whim of trusting him and he couldn’t even tell the truth of how he knew her. She wasn’t sure what else was a lie. Sienna put a hand on Indigo’s shoulder.
“So what if he knows you through Rusty, or if he really did see you in a crazy lunch rush one day? The man’s interested in you! Was he genuine with you?” Honey said with conviction.
Indigo shrugged her shoulders, then said, “I think so…”
“Then you need to find him,” Sugar answered. “Did you get his name?”
“Um… about that…”
“You didn’t get… GIRL!”
The room was filled with shock and awe and laughter as the 4 food experts chatted away the rest of the night, plotting and planning what to do while fawning and pondering over the new man in Indigo’s life.

Part 2 to come soon! Got ideas for a title? Comment below!