Part: 1

“Aziz!” I turned towards my sister. “You seriously must try this cook book! The recipes!… Oh my god the recipes!…” I chuckled at her dramatics, which was more overtop than usual. Ignoring me she continued. “Shut up… anyways they just come alive in the utmost amazing flavors…..no exaggeration!” She continued to squeal. “I know you love baking so I know you’ll love this…” She giggled in a forceful manner “I’ve already made strawberry pie.”

“O. M. G! No way!” I said putting my hand over my mouth, as I copied the way she spoke. Still continuing to Ignore me, she stared at me and continued smiling, which honestly creeped me out a bit, especially seeing how she was not at all bothered by my little brother antics. I eyed her up and down, trying to figure out why she wasn’t so bothered, when I noticed a very rosy complexion that lightly glowed around her skin. Realization struck and a wide grin crossed my face “Are you in love?” I sang.

She rolled her eyes and pointed at the book “Don’t be ridiculous! Just look at the book. ”

I chuckled to myself and looked down, my eyes widened and my heart fluttered. “Is… Is this that book I’ve been dying to get my hands on! It’s so expensive…I~I heard it was sold out… when? Where? How? What?!” My thoughts were all over the place as I looked up at my sister. The very thing I’ve been saving up for was now in the palm of my hands!

“I was one of the lucky ones that stumbled upon it before it became famous… And let me tell you! there’s so many recipes!” She smiled happily “Anyways… I’ve gotta go, have fun baking and tell me what you made.”

“Wait…can’t I try some of yours?”

She smiled what seemed like a nervous smile “1-I…” she cleared her throat and looked away. “… Ate it all in one sitting.”

“You cow! In one sitting?!” I bellowed out a laugh.

“I-it was that good, Just…you’ll see once you make one.”

“Yeah…yeah get going.” I shooed her out the door.

When she left, I looked down and opened the book, my heart skipping a beat as I stared in pure joy at the many pie recipes before me.

Meat pies were the first recipes, with many varieties and as I moved towards the middle of the book a variety of vegan pies filled the page, with interesting combinations that I never would have thought of.

Amazed by the creation of this book, I continued towards the back, where I knew the delicious dessert pies lurked. My smile broadened and my mouth drooled. Banana pies, caramel cream pie, apple cinnamon, strawberry short cake and so many more, that I couldn’t decide. Contemplating on what to make, I looked up from my book. Astounded by the sun melting over the horizon like butter, I stretched and closed the book. A heavy sigh escaped my lips, knowing my job, I’d have to make the pie sometime this weekend. Heading to bed, I fell asleep dreaming of delicious pies.

My wonderful dream ended in a disrespectful manner, the alarm cutting into my happiness as I had no choice but to get up and start my day. Heading out the house, I couldn’t help but notice my neighbor had a very odd and distinctive green glow about her, but she seemed just as bubbly as ever. She turned her head towards me and our eyes locked onto each other and I couldn’t tell if it was just my imagination, but she had a very odd glint in her eye and an awkward smile on her face as if this was her first time smiling. I don’t know why but it reminded me of my sisters. Shaking my head from those thoughts, she waved at me and I waved back.

“Have you heard about the cook book?” She asked innocently, but for some reason that sent an ominous chill down my spine.