Grace Return The Cookie Story

By Marian Louise

The residents of Grace Community are threatening with uncertainties for their environment. Property owners are secretly searching for a plan to restore the community's glory for the residents. Seven strange women of various nationalities see the problems move with compassion.

As they come out of hiding, friendship shapes as they help each other and their community using their God-given talents.

Friends become sisters as they accept forgiveness, love, and restoration with themselves and each other. They will discover stepping out on faith, their journey has challenges, yet hope, strength, and trust in each other will be their guide, and it all begins with a cookie.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marian Louise
• Release date: Feb 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201140465

Book preview

GRACE RETURNS

THE COOKIE STORY

By: Marian Louise

Copyright©2021MarianLouise

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical mean, including information storage and retrieval systems, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews without permission in writing from the author.

This is a work of fiction. Some characters, events and places in this book are products of the author’s imagination and are either fictitious or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1 - Park Event

Chapter 2 - Kaitlyn Jumps In

Chapter 3 - Bake Day

Chapter 4- The Event

Chapter 5 -Order of the Day

Chapter 6 - Morning After

Chapter 7 - Pierce and Sarai

Chapter 8- Big Meeting

Chapter 9 - Jonie’s Event

Chapter 10 - Ryan at the Pond

Chapter 11 Envelop Please

Chapter 12 The Announcement

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Introduction

Tessa, a single mother of two boys, lived in a small neighborhood called Grace Community.  She had a remarkable talent for baking. Tasting her cookies is a party; children consume more than what their parents desire. On Holidays Tessa would bake her family and close friends; everyone enjoyed and complimented her baked goods.  The Baker is what her family calls her. Her gift to bake and insecurities kept Tessa in a shell she created.  She was unaware that love was the secret ingredient to what she baked; Ryan and Caleb knew their mom's cookies were the best. 

Grace Community once waved its triumphant banner of hope now struggles to be a safe place to live. Restoring hope is needed in this dying land.  The owners and management team are in search of its solution.  Carlos and Harison are Board members standing on the grounds needing desperate answers to save a place their Great-Grandparents founded. Grace has become more than a project, now a subject to revive and restore its banner for everyone connected, including residents living in the neighborhood.  Carlos's mind drifts on his mother’s description of the Community; he rushes in, Harison, a community event could draw the families out for a festival.  Families would come together, and we could discover their struggles and strengths. They would only need to bring a cover dish to share, and for those who can’t bring one can come and participate.

Do you think it would bring all families out? Harison asks.

Harison, we can try!  It’s a new generation, and it won’t be like great-grandpa, and others use to have but-

Alright big brother, let’s call Mr. White and Lyn.

Carlos rushes out of Harison’s office to make the calls a begins planning. After a month of preparation, Carlos and Lyn sent invitations to all residents to attend a Saturday Community Park Event.  The festival includes having various vendors with sports equipment like footballs, basketball, softball, bats, a water slide, and Bouncy Houses for the younger children. 

Tessa wanted to participate but didn’t have much money at the time. She says to herself, If I have enough baking ingredients, I could bake a cake or some cookies, so she begins to search her pantry and finds enough ingredients to make tasty but simple cookies that her son adores. The time for the event was approaching, Tessa's anxiousness kicks in when she remembers she never baked for anyone other than her family and close friends; total strangers would taste her cookies.  Anxious thoughts of her baking outside of her family overwhelmed her. Fear began to enter her mind that people in the community would not like her cookies as her family and friends did.  Tessa doubts her baking but decides it’s time to overcome the fears of baking undesirable cookies; besides, her sons will be there waiting to lick the bowl and spoon when the cookie dough is on the pan and on its way to the oven.

Chapter 1 - Park Event

On the day of the event , Ryan and Caleb were excited about the Community Event, a little more than Tessa, yet her fresh-baked cookies were wrapped tightly for travel.

Tessa’s youngest son, Caleb, is curious, is mature for his age, and ready to brag about his mom’s cookies.  Ryan is quiet manner also matured for his age, yet tender towards his mom. All are ready to experience a day at the festival. Tessa grips tightly to the container as they walk to the park. Her grip becomes tighter as she approaches the table where other covered desserts are displayed. Behind the table, standing is a tall, medium-built man wearing a Chef's attire with a big smile! Biting her bottom lip as she hands over the container to him. His eyes widen as he politely takes the container from her hand, saying, Well, now, these cookies look delicious!

Thank you. She walks away with her sons to explore scenes of the park. 

Screams and laughter fill the air from the excitement of children and parents—many activities for the entire neighborhood to enjoy. Various chatters, various foods on multiple tables and games played, and tents and chairs set up for the older tenants to sit and watch the games.

Tessa is biting her lip as she walks around the festival, meeting new people. She pulls herself out of her shell to participates in some of the games with and without her sons! Battling to stay free from her shell, she pours in greeting children, their parents, and the event's sponsors. Tessa’s unplan desire to know other moms in the community becomes a heartwarming gesture. Her sons sampled food from every table played games and met new friends.  Carlos, Harison, and Manager Team encouraged children and adults to create fun activities and games prizes for all to win. All the families that came out enjoyed the festivities for hours.

Chef Troy, the food overseer, kept his eye on Tessa from the time she left his table until the moment Toah, a woman tickled, asking, May I have some of those cookies?

Shaking himself, he asks, May I help you? 

You caught some eye candy, huh?  She asks.

Excuse me? he questions.

O’, you know what I mean! You can’t keep your eye off someone? she probes

Hmm, I don’t think so. He argues

Toah walks off giggling as his eyes return on Tessa.

At the closing of the Festival, Tessa walks up to the table to retrieve her container. Chef Troy is smiling, saying, Young lady, those cookies were delicious! Did you bake them yourself?

Yes! She bakes them for us all the time! Are they all gone?  Caleb interrupts.

Sons, I’m sorry, but those cookies left a long time ago; it simply wasn’t enough because everyone wanted more of them. Staring at her as he hands her the container.  Tessa clams her lips, avoiding eye contact as she reaches for her container.  A nearby mother hearing the discussion, approached Tessa, Hi, I’m Kaitlyn! Do you mind sharing your cookie recipe?

No, of course not! Tessa says as she takes the paper and a pen from her to write the cookie recipe down. She hands the recipe to her. My name and number are on the bottom in case you have some questions.

Thanks, Tessa! Nice meeting you! smiling as she walks away.

The community had not had a day of fun like this in years.

Carlos, Harison, and Lynn talk of the Community Event's success while the vendors return for their carnival items. Carlos and Harison begin tactics to restoring the community. Mr. White was proud to hear the report from the festival and reassured Carlos and Harison he would follow up with the management team the following week.  All agreed the Community Event was an excellent start to learning the need of the community.  Lynn noted more tenants enjoyed the event than a criticism. A successful day for the children and adults in Grace Community. 

Cookies and Friends

A week has passed, families were back to their regular routines, but the excitement from the community event was still in the air.

Monday after school Ryan and Caleb begin asking how to bake cookies.  Ryan being more curious, wanted to know step by step how to bake the cookies to taste just like hers; he continued probing.

Tessa, mommy's instinct, asked, Boys, why are you both so interested in baking cookies? She waited for an answer, but they were silent; she added, You never were interested in baking them before only eating them, so come clean, what’s up?

They gazed at one another for a moment, Erik’s mom said she tried baking your cookies, and they didn’t come out like yours. Maybe you left out one of the ingredients when you gave her the recipe?  Caleb explains.

Tessa plunders, Maybe, I was so nervous I left out an ingredient. Later, she baked a fresh batch of cookies and rewrote the recipe. Ryan, could you show me where Erick lives?  Tessa and her sons walk over with cookies and cookies recipe to Erick’s house.

Kaitlyn opens the door, gasps, What a pleasure, please come in, Tessa and sons! smiling.

Tessa is blushing as she enters with her peace offering.

Well, Tessa, you brought something with you? Kaitlyn smiles.

Yes, ma’am! Tessa replied.  She turns and asks the boys to go outside and play in front of the door while she visits Kaitlyn. 

The boys told you baked cookies, but they didn’t taste like mine. Caleb worries I may have missed an ingredient, so I rewrote the recipe and made a batch of them. 

Really! Kaitlyn replies.  Well, let’s see! I baked some cookies on Sunday; I must admit, they didn’t taste quite like yours, but I felt like I did a good job! Laughing as she walks into the kitchen. 

Erick told the boys they didn’t taste the same as mine, so I want to make sure I didn’t miss any ingredients. Tessa smiles

Kaitlyn brings the recipe back, uh-huh, here it is!  Handing the recipe to Tessa as Tessa's hands Kaitlyn the cookies and recipe.  Tessa read over the old recipe, No, I didn’t leave anything out, and I surely didn’t use any special ingredients; I was a little short on money, so I used what I had to bake them. Kaitlyn hints, You know, Tessa, my cookies may never be as good as yours. Baking seems to be your gift. I occasionally bake to either pass the time or just trying something different.  I’m quite sure there is something I’m good with you need my help with. That’s what makes up a community, right? 

Yes! Tessa agrees.

The aroma from the cookies was getting to Kaitlyn; she peeps around to see if Erick and Olivia were watching. Kaitlyn puts the cookie in her mouth, bites into it, closes her eyes, and tilts her head back, enjoying every chew. Tessa is smiling as Kaitlyn goes through her emotions while eating.  As Kaitlyn takes another bite, she opens her eyes, looks right into Tessa's smiling face, I almost forgot you were here! both laughed.

Kaitlyn Afterthought, Hey! what if you, myself, and a few other ladies get together and cook up a dish or two just to better each other cooking skills? I mean, I can use more help in vegetables and desserts! 

You know that seems like a good idea, and for me, it would be a great way to meet other moms, single and married. I like the idea. Maybe we can start with a full meal like meats, vegetables, fruits, and desserts! Tessa agrees

Kaitlyn adds, Yes, and maybe an appetizer or two? So, maybe five women to start. Each one specializing in their dish?

Awesome! There’s only one problem I have. Tessa says

Kaitlyn asks, What’s that.

Tessa says, I don’t know anyone around here? They both giggled.

Well, I know a few ladies, so that part is taken care of, Kaitlyn said,

Do you think my place will be big enough to hold five women, food, and personality? Tessa thought,

Maybe we need to add one more adult, Kaitlyn responded,

Tessa raised one eyebrow, Who is that?

Kaitlyn smiling, The Chef!

Tessa tightens her lips, Okay!

Kaitlyn is giggling, saying, Well, I’m figuring we will need a man’s perception on our cooking, that way our children won’t laugh us out of the neighborhood. Besides, Erick has shown me his reaction to my cooking. (Shaking her head) Kaitlyn and Tessa are laughing.

Women to Gather

While planning the Gathering Tessa and Kaitlyn’s children found out; they were excited about their mothers getting together and thought it would be another big event, so they plan to invite children too.

Kaitlyn and Tessa sat them down and explained the meeting was only for a few mothers in the community with plans of getting to know one another. The children agreed not to spread the word about the meeting.

Kaitlyn’s love for organizing events and outspoken personality begins reaching for a few mothers in the community to invite to the Gathering. Successfully she finds three mothers who agree to meet with her and Tessa.  They decided what they would bring to prepare for the luncheon.

Tessa spent most of her time pacing the floor, encouraging herself to go through with the meeting. Her thoughts would make big mountains out of nothing, This is the kind of thinking that keeps you in a shell, saying to herself. Sensing the Gathering will be a big step to her living outside of her shell.  I’ve lived in this community for over a year and know one lady. And I met her the other day!  she murmurs. She enters the kitchen to prepare a snack for the boys. She looks at the ceiling, I must do this. I desire to know more than one mother out here! she confesses. As she stands in the middle of the kitchen floor, Kaitlyn calls. Hi, Tessa!

Hi, Kaitlyn!

Tessa, are you alright? You sound tired."

Kaitlyn, I’m fine.

I was calling to let you know the names and dishes of the three ladies who will be attending the Gathering.

Cool, Kaitlyn! she replies

Sarah said French beans, Carla said baked Ribs, Grace, wanted to do rice dish and potatoes. Does that sound alright?

Tessa adds, I can do dessert!

Yes! Tessa, I believe this will be an amazing gathering as five women come together with hopes of starting a new friendship, laughs.

Tessa’s mood shifts, You know what, Kaitlyn, I believe you are right. Let’s do this! 

After the Gathering was confirmed, Tessa planned a way to welcome the ladies to her home.

Days later, Tessa’s anxiety about the Gathering was affecting her daily routine. She began to wonder if she was the only one feeling anxious.  Scarcely finishing school haunted her in many ways; she wanted a better life for her sons. Tessa finds it hard teaching them to dream big when she stays in her shell. Ryan and Caleb are brilliant, but she needed them to have access to higher education.  Getting to know other children in the community would help, especially those from different cultures. She hoped other mothers participating felt the Gathering could be a help to them as she sees. 

Kaitlyn and Tessa's relationship begins with a cookie, found to have a lot in common, yet they are different.  Having respect each other’s privacy, talking about their past was limited. Kaitlyn is known for being nosy and learned many things, but she kept everything to herself.  Kaitlyn was not afraid to talk to anyone, yet her friends were limited.  Tessa lost confidence in people after Ryan and Caleb’s father's ordeal. Within weeks, Kaitlyn and Tessa's friendship becomes something extraordinary. 

Sarai, a German divorced mother of four two sons and two daughters, believed this could be an avenue to unite mothers as they learn more about healthy cooking.  However, her passion is Sewing. Sarai knew sewing would be a great way to bring families together, and anyone could learn to sew.  Sarai is intrigued by her idea; puts a small portfolio together to share with the ladies at the Gathering.

Carla, a Hispanic mother of four, wanted to see children playing sports in the community. She knew sports could help strengthen children’s athletic skills. She plays various sports with her children, as she would invite other children to play, parents would not allow them to because of the neighborhood's busy activities of crimes. Carla admits to not being an excellent cook but felt a Hispanic recipe would be great to share with the ladies.

Grace, a single Asian mother of two daughters, spent most of her time researching and playing all kinds of music, from classical to country; she loved it all! She felt her passion for various types of instruments would be a good conversation piece with dessert. Grace felt the meeting would be suitable for her social life outside of music.

Each mother unknowingly had something good to share as they discovered friendship. 

Kaitlyn kept in touch with all the mothers as they were moving towards the Gathering.  As the day for the Gathering drew near, Tessa was getting more nervous, so were the other mothers.  But she kept going with her plans and continually reminding her boys of the secret. Ryan and Caleb were more excited about eating when they got home from school than keeping the secret.  Kaitlyn has one more contribution to the meeting, a surprise for the ladies. She planned to invite the Chef from the Community Event, delay his appearance until all the dishes were ready to be served.

Out of The Shell

Two days before the Gathering, Carla begins to have second thoughts about joining the other ladies; her emotions played a big part in her decision. Soon after, Grace and Sarah were feeling the same; all decided not to attend. All contacted Kaitlyn, saying they were backing out. Kaitlyn called Tessa with the update.  Hi, Tessa! Kaitlyn whines.

Kailyn, what’s wrong?

All three ladies called saying they were not coming.

What!

Yes!

This meeting is too important to back out now! Tessa replies.

Maybe it’s best if they canceled now than wait on the day of to do so. I don’t know! Kaitlyn whines.  Tessa, NO! I need this! I have been in hiding for too long! I desire to know other mothers out there to see what they see and feel what they feel.  I have two sons; they can be a handful at times. One day, I would like to get married, but today, I want to understand other mother’s strength to surviving a single life without giving in to the prey of failure!

Kaitlyn's eyes widen as she listens to Tessa’s response, Yes! But what can you do, Tessa? They have changed their minds.

I need to talk to them; give me their names and addresses.  She demands.

Tessa, do you think talking is going to change their minds?

Are you going to give me their addresses or what? she demands.

I will give them to you if you let me come along with you?

Okay, Kaitlyn! Two is better than one. I’m on my way to you now! 

Tessa and Kaitlyn arrived at Carla's home and knocked. Kaitlyn is staring at Tessa as they wait. Tessa notices Kaitlyn’s staring, What?  she asks.

Kaitlyn shook her head, I’ve never seen you like this.  snickering, she said, You are really coming out of your shell!

Tessa knocks on Carla’s door again, fidgeting, I’m guessing I want out of this shell more than I expected. Carla opens the door, steps back, seeing Kaitlyn and Tessa are together; she greets them with a smile and invites them in.  Hello, how are you? Come in, come in!

Kaitlyn and Tessa walked in, greeting Carla smiling as they entered.

Kaitlyn greets, Carla, this is Tessa, Tessa, this is Carla. Tessa wants to speak with you about the Gathering if that’s okay with you?

Carla responds, Sure, come in the sitting room where we can talk.  Carla sat across from Tessa, folding her arms waiting for her to speak as they sat down. Tessa avoids eye contact then looks straight at Carla. I understand you are having second thoughts about the Gathering. Can I ask why you are changing your mind, please? softly asks. 

Sure, I’ve been in the community for a long time; no one talks to me; they wave and keep going. My children don’t make friends easily because they express themselves differently than most children. I didn’t want to be treated the same way as my children. I see how adults and children can be so mean to each other.  So, I decided it would be best I don’t participate.

Tessa listening to Carla, asks, Where is your birthplace? I mean, where are you from?

Carla gazed into Tessa's eyes, Honduras! she responded.

If I were to visit a community in Honduras, would you speak or try to make friends with me?

Yes, Hispanics are very open to making friends! she smiles.

Tessa suggests, "Well, Kaitlyn and I, along with two other