1:35 pm @ the Fairbanks’ Residence

“Where did I go wrong this time? I’m pretty sure I did everything right.” Dana Fairbanks was muttering to herself. After walking out on Alice, she set off straight home to find that her mother went out with some friends and that her dad was working a day of overtime. Her brother just left her alone a few minutes ago to watch a movie with his friends at the Cinemas. Reading the recipe for chocolate muffins once more, Dana discovered that she had interpreted the measures incorrectly. “Oh, for…”

The doorbell rang.

“She’s probably here.” Another ding dong came. “I’m coming. Wait up.” Taking her apron off, Dana marched over to the front door. When she got there and opened up, no one was in sight. “That’s weird… I heard the doorbell.” She shook her head in confusion and went straight back to the kitchen. Again, she tasted another muffin she left on the counter and groaned. “Ugh.” Dana hurled it into the air and off to the biodegradable wastebasket a meter away.

There was somebody rapping on the door behind her that alarmed Dana. “Jesus Christ.” She unlocked the door and let Lara Perkins in. “Hi… What were you doing out back?”

“I rang the doorbell but you didn’t answer. I figured you were in the kitchen so I helped myself to the back of the house.” Lara answered, and took off her jacket. She placed it neatly in the holder. “So, what could be our big problem here? Oh. Muffins. Can I have one?”

Dana swallowed. “I’m not so certain if your sweet tooth’s going to appreciate that. But okay, go ahead.” She smiled sheepishly.

“I’ll try one…” Taking one off the tray, Lara bit into the muffin and chewed rather slowly. She relished every particle in her mouth and tried to find out what the missing piece was. “Hmm… What did you do…?”

“I don’t know. Nothing? I just followed the recipe I found in the internet. I had a craving so I thought I’d make some but… I’m sure you can help me with that. I know you aced cooking and baking class. You wanna take a look at the recipe?”