Part: 2

I laughed at myself for not being able to see the obvious. It’s a famous book! I shouted at myself. I returned her awkward smile with a friendlier one as she went on about the veggie pie she had made. “Would you possibly have any left?” I asked, although I wasn’t a vegan myself but I did enjoy the foods she made, which I will admit she almost had me switching sides.

She shook her head and chuckled “My pie was way too good to share, I ate it all in one sitting!”

Hearing that made my heart flutter and who would blame her, her cooking was out of this world and those recipes must have been just as. I wanted to just stay home and bake… when an idea popped into my head. “Is it possible you could make me one? You’re an amazing cook and I’m sure you’d create the perfect pie for me?”

“My apologies sweetheart…” She said shaking her head “I’m going to be busy the next few weeks but I’m sure you’d create a delicious pie and although you’re not a terrible baker, I heard even the worst baker could make these delicious pie’s.” She winked. “You’ll do just fine.”

She was right and I shouldn’t have imposed due to my impatience. I watched as she continued to walk her dog and noticed they both had an odd green glow about them. Odd… I thought, as I walked over to my car and headed to work.

******

As the weekend rolled around, I finally made up my mind to go with my favorite, apple cinnamon pie. Furrowing my brows at the oddity of ingredients I had to use, which weren’t an easy find, but managing to find them all, I was ready to get to baking, making sure everything was perfect. Smiling to myself as I put it in the oven and not long after the delicious aroma graced my nose, igniting my very soul.

A knock at the door took me away from my nirvana and with a grunt I got up from my chair and headed towards the door. Peeking through the peephole, an elderly neighbor peered up at me, with a complexion that was milky white with a yellow undertone. It’s like banana cream pie… Weird… I thought. “Mister…” She said through the door, pulling me out of my racing mind. “…Did you try the pie?” She asked.

“Yeah I’m…” I froze. “W-why are you asking me that?”

“You must try the pie it’s so good, hurry.” She smiled sweetly. Taken aback by her words, I stared through the peephole, unable to formulate a sentence. She was a weird old lady but this was a bit over the top.

“Umm…okay…” Was all I could sputter out… Did she really come all this way to ask me that? My train of thought was interrupted by the sound of noise coming from behind her. Curious but cautiously, I walked into my living room and peeked through the shades. Befuddled by the lively scene before me, I watched as the neighborhood filled with people walking around. These days it was normal for people to stay inside and I couldn’t help but wonder, Why now? Watching them explore the world as if it were the first time, with the oddest of colored undertones to their skin, sent a chill down my spine and twisting my stomach into knots.

1 backed away swiftly, feeling a bit unnerved by the situation.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Jumping at the sound of the timer going off, I held my chest and let out a deep sigh…Cool it! no reason to be jumpy, right?… I asked myself as I rushed back towards the kitchen. The sickly aroma of the pie made me no longer want it, contemplating on whether I should throw it out or give it to someone weighed heavily on my mind, until I pulled it out of the oven. Hypnotized by its allure, my mouth watered and all cautious thoughts were thrown out into the wind. Grabbing the knife from its cubby, I cut into it, watching as its delectable nectar poured out and over the crust. Unable to hold back my urges to devour it, I dropped the knife, replacing it with whatever utensil I could grab as I took the entire pan with me to the dining table.

You should eat it…

No… I shook my head, trying to reason with myself. I should wait!

Why?

It’s hot…

So… just eat it!