It was peculiar how I met her. Perhaps, you wish to know how? Well, it all started on that day...

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"Would you like Tricia's poster with that?" Is something I would ask every customer. (If you must know, Tricia used to be a famous supermodel but she retired early.)

And every customer would say yes.

Then I would fold the 12x24 poster into their brown paper bag filled with our fresh bread and wave goodbye with a pathetic smile on my face.

And this would be my day.

And yet, today somehow felt different. Perhaps the need to change the battery on the dead clock hanging on the wall was the cause. Or maybe the empty bakery which was usually full gave it away. It was always this way whenever Tricia had a day off.

No Tricia. No customers. Especially when it was my turn on the cashier, there would only be a few people that would come. To actually buy bread. Usually, those people are old wives or young children.

The bell hanging above the door gave a jingle.

"Ah, a customer." I carelessly thought. "Welcome, what would you like me to get?"

"Oh, Tricia isn't here?" She asked me.

"Typical" I thought, "another Tricia fan."

"I'm sorry but I'm afraid she went on her day off. She'll come back tomorrow. Will that be all?" I heartlessly replied.

"Ah, it's alright." She smiled at me but I don't fall for such things anymore. Too many a fan has attempted to befriend me to get closer to their beloved goddess. Her bright blue eyes sickened me as it continually attempted to look adorable.

"I'm just here to buy bread." She nodded and turned to the produce.

“What else do you buy in a bakery?” I replied in thought, crossing my arms as I watched her.

After choosing from the selection, she turned to me with that sappy smile and handed me the basket.

"This would be all." She said, fluffing her apron with such elegant movements.

I looked away; I promised myself I wouldn't fall for such tactics again.

I began walking back to the counter when the door's bell gave another ring. I looked over my shoulder to see Tricia back from her day off.

She didn't say anything and immediately headed off to the kitchen. It only meant one thing.

The fans were coming.

And so they did.

Flocks of them began barging in between me and my customer. They pushed and shoved their way in, trying to move as close to Tricia.

Eventually, one of them managed to knock me over, scattering the crisp bread all over the floor. I watched them get flattened beneath the wave of screaming teens. I felt sorry for the baked goods, Red really put her heart into making them but I couldn't really bring myself to hurt any of the people.

I stood up, trying to look for the black-haired girl. She seemed to have been trapped as well. No choice, I had to do something.

I gathered all my strength in my fist and quickly punched the fire alarm. The sprinklers suddenly activated, showering the raging girls with water. They screamed out the exit, finally leaving me and the other girl alone in the store.

Tricia seemed to have locked herself inside the kitchen. I sighed, thinking I had to fix that problem later.

"You okay?" I finally asked her. Both of us were wet and cold but somehow...it didn't bother us one bit.

"Wah, yeah. Um...are you?" She replied, looking at my bleeding hand with concern.

"Yeah. This is nothing." I retorted, wiping the blood against my shop apron. "Sorry about the bread. Uh...I'll try baking you a new batch if you want."

"Waaaah! No! It's okay!" She waved her hands frantically. She placed her right hand inside her pocket and revealed a rather soggy wad of money. She shoved it in front of my face.

"I don't want your money for nothing." I told her.

"Take it." She frowned, grabbing my bleeding hand and stuffing the cash in my palm.

"Thanks. You’re too kind." I didn't realize it before but I think I might have made the mistake of falling for her.

And with that she ran off towards the door, her face flushed.

The bell tinkled as she left. I turned away and began cleaning up the mess those wretched brats left.

Ring Ring.

I looked back; there she was again, breathing heavily.

"What is it?" I asked.

"I hope to see you again!" She bowed and ran out again.

I looked down on the floor and stared at the flat bread I was holding. My heart was beating heavy from the event.

“Ah...yeah…” I thought,” I hope to see you again too.”

And that was the day I met her.

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Author's Note: Please...go easy on me. sob