So A Whale Walks Into A Pâtisserie... [P]

A flash of black and white flashed in front of the window of the Dominique Ansel Bakery just moments before the door chime rang to signal the arrival of a customer. With a smile, the staff in white, frilly clothes greeted the new face, politely asking the man what he wanted to order, gesturing to the myriad of bread with different flavors one can choose as well as the desserts that were perfect for any of the popular beverages they served apart from their traditional foodstuffs. The customer smiled, his distinctly Asian features with little hints of Caucasian casting a fair gaze over the attendant who greeted him into the bakery.

“No, just give me a slice of vanilla cake and tall order of Earl Gray, please. Two lumps of sugar – and add milk, full cream,” Takeo, twenty-nine year old CEO of the Kazuhara Group, ordered for himself in an accent that lightly hinted of Japanese descent despite his fluent, near native use of the English language.

The cashier nodded politely before delegating the making of the order to his fellow workers to make, knowing full well that despite the fact that he just ordered a wholly customized cup of tea outside of their usual fare, the charcoal black suit, white polo shirt, and red Windsor tie ensemble made it painfully obvious that someone important just graced Dominique Ansel with his presence. Hair as black as dark chocolate with deep-brown eyes like cinnamon sticks complimented a visage that seemingly belonged to that of an angel – or maybe a devil – that could easily pluck the heart of any man, woman, or child if he so desired.

“That would be sixteen dollars, sir,” said the cashier to whom the man smiled and handed over the exact amount. With another practiced smile, he gave the dashing newcomer his number and told him to wait for a while.

Takeo bowed in gratitude then gracefully moved away from the cashier to find a chair where he could sit. It was late in the afternoon so he expected such a popular establishment to be full of young professionals and college kids on their way back home, but he did not worry about getting one all that much. The gentlemanly act served the misanthrope well to hide his social anxiety in public. Maybe he would get lucky this time as well? Yes, the charm was not foolproof, but it was certainly his best bet rather than to stand around like a good-looking statue. Besides, he needed a seat – he was going to meet someone very special right here in this very establishment.

Finally, the young CEO spotted a place by the window – a quaint little nook near the far corner of the bakery right beside a sunlit window that poured in golden rays of warmth into the airconditioned establishment. He did not hesitate to make his move to claim the spot as his own. All that was left now for the pieces to fall into place. If it did, it meant that he could get back to playing TerraSphere to continue his discreet self-therapy sessions in complete anonymity. It was difficult to put up a constant façade of normality, after all; he did not like people – not yet. But he will; TerraSphere would make sure of that.

 

Moving from Incheon, South Korea to New York was a decision made by Christianna herself, despite the strong opposition of her parents. It all stemmed when a realization dawned to her: her desire to be 'normal' again could not be realized in Korea. Moving on would be hard when every single nook and cranny reminded her of what she used to be and her current frustrations. It was also a task to heal emotionally when knew that the one who wronged you was freely moving in the same city as yours.

Since she had all the time in the world back then, other than playing Terrasphere she had made researches on which companies and charitable institutions would be able to help her, for free of course, have her limbs back. It was also by sheer luck that her younger brother got a scholarship in a university in New York, hence she took advantage of how things were falling into place and moved with her brother in a land foreign to either of them.

It had been a few days since they first came here. She was still adjusting to the culture of the people in this place, but unlike when she was in Korea, now she felt more "free", as if a weight has been removed from her chest.

It was the day that Christianna, or Lee Ji-Yeon, would be meeting the head of a pharmaceutical company where she submitted her profile online in one of the known pâtisseries, or so what her research had told her. Dominique Ansel Bakery. Christianna moved out of the apartment early by herself, with the aid of her wheelchair. She was donning a lavender jewel-necklined dress with sheer prints of flowers on the skirt. Her hair was properly and neatly styled into a sleek ponytail leaving only her bangs to feel and dance to the cold wind of the Western world. It was the first time she would leave without anyone with her. It gave her a sense of pride. She mingled with the crowd, the busy streets full of life. With help of kind-hearted people who told her directions, she was able to reach the bakery on time for the meeting.

She was in front of it, looking at the façade of the establishment for moment to compose herself. Her chest was pounding in excitement. Hands were shaky, but in a good way. She prayed that this talk would not go in vain. Then, she pushed her wheelie towards the door. She was about to reach and open it when one of the employees of the bakery noticed her presence and disability and gladly opened the door for her. In addition, he helped her wheel in the bakery.

"Good day, ma'am!" he greeted cheerfully, "let me please assist you to a seat."

"Ah!" Ji-Yeon exclaimed, "Thank you. I am about to meet with someone but... but I don't know if he is here already," said she in a thick Korean accent. She looked around, trying to see if there was someone who was waiting for a legless stranger.