In the second week, Bella woke up late albeit she slept early. She thought something was really strange last night and she doesn’t seem to comprehend what or.. why? Well, it's not just last night. It's been since she's home. 

After she quarantined herself at home, she finally decided to go out around 4 in the afternoon. And maybe, to meet some neighbours and friends. Despite the hot weather in the countryside, Bella rides her bike downtown to buy her favourite bread in a small shop called ‘Teresa’s’. 

It is owned by her mom's friends. They were a couple. And their youngest daughter, Lauren, happened to have a crush on Bella since they were kids. Lauren is two years younger than Bella so, the latter always knew that she will forever see Lauren as a younger sister and nothing more than that. 

Who wouldn't have interest in Bella, though? She is bubbly, kind, humble, she has an amazing personality, she's very enthusiastic with her goals and in other people's. 

The wind chimes jingles as Bella shuts the single door behind her, diverting the attention of the indolent about her age in white-red apron. Bella immediately greets her with a joyful smile when she recognises her.

“Isabelle!” Bella almost squeals in excitement. She’s literally best friends with everyone. If she has 1 Natie in Texas, here in Cumberland, everyone is Natie. Not just Linh. 

“Bella! Oh, my God! It’s real, you're here!” Isabelle quickly runs out of the counter to hug Bella.

“I did not expect you’d be here. Where's everyone else?”

Isabelle places both of her hands on her waist and lets out a sigh. “Mommy Amelia and I were the only ones left. To look after the shop, obviously. The rest are in Jefferson, at my grandparents’.”

“This apron looks good on you.” Bella tells her and the other girl suddenly feels shy that she lightly punches Bella’s arm. 

“I hate you.” Isabelle rolls her eyes. “What do you want?”

“Oh, right. My order. The usual if you still remember.” Bella smirks, wondering if her dear friend still remembers. She was only gone for a year but why does it feel like it's been forever. Now, she doubts that Isabelle might have forgotten about her favourite bread.

But if Isabelle really does not remember, how could she?! Isabelle witnessed it when Bella cried outside the shop because her $1 coin fell off the gutter. The bread she wanted costs $4 and she didn't have any extra.

Isabelle watched her cry and waited for half an hour before she told Bella she could still buy it since they're friends and their parents are also friends.

But Bella resisted. She wanted to pay the exact amount. She thought it wouldn't taste the same if she didn't buy it in full. 

They were at the age of 8 at that time. Ever since, Isabelle would about it.

Bella sits on one of the six vacant tables with a pair of chairs across each other. She stares outside and unexpectedly catches the sight of Harper, riding her bike.

“Hey, ert. Stop checking out Harper. She’s a freaking minor, Bella.” 

The latter rolls her eyes at Isabelle when she sat across from her. 

“Excuse me? What does that make me? I’m just 17.”

“I’m just saying she is a minor.. just like you.” Isabelle throws her a smirk that causes Bella to gasp in disbelief and eventually, chooses to shut up when she realises that Isabelle will begin teasing her.