Me: Hi!

Kashino: What is this?

Me: ... A new story?

Kashino: YOU'VE GOT WAY TOO MANY STORIES AS IS!

Me: I'm sorry! Okay! Just so everyone knows, this is a new story. I know I have a lot of stories going on already, so in the future, I may have to put some of them on hiatus.

ANYWAY. This is something I've been dying to write for a long time. Ever since I created Kashigo's Children! This is of course... Lynne's journey at St. Marie!

Ichigo: EH? Seriously?

Me: Of course! Lynne is one of my favourite characters and I couldn't wait to bring her to St. Marie!

Kashino: Oh boy...

Me: I do not own Yumeiro Patissiere!

My Journey, My Story

Chapter 1: St. Marie, Here I Come!

Michael: 18

Lynne: 13

Dylan: 10

XxXxX

I stare out the window, bouncing up and down excitedly. "Lynne, give it a rest. Calm down. You've been bouncing the whole ride." My older brother, Michael, stares at me for a second. Complaining is one of his favourite things to do. Usually, he's complaining about me.

"I'm sorry," I scoff, rolling my brown eyes at him, "I'm just so excited! It's not every day you get accepted into St. Marie Academy!"

That's right. My name is Kashino Lynne Ichigo and I was accepted into St. Marie Academy, a school specializing in baking sweets! Both my mother and father went there. In fact, it was where they first met. They were both 14, in their second year. But that's their own story. I am finally 13 years old, meaning I am finally old enough for my first year at St. Marie!

I have two brothers, one older and one younger. Michael, my older brother is already 18 years old. It's really strange. That means he's legally an adult already. Mom and Dad always have trouble accepting it. I would assume it's because he still lives with them and is still going to school. It's strange, my brother never got the baking genes. Apparently, when he was small, Mom tried to bake with him. Long story short, the fire department was not happy. Ever since then, Michael has refused to bake. So instead, he goes to school at the local university. He just graduated high school and is studying to be a doctor. I know Dad is a little bit sceptical about it, but he wants to support his dreams. Of course, Dad's parents support him too, they are doctors to. And so is almost every other Kashino, except for Dad and Mom of course.

My little brother's name is Dylan. He's 10 years old. That means he's 3 years younger than I am. Like me, he loves baking a lot. Usually, he likes to help me out while I'm baking in our own kitchen. He does the little things like setting the oven temperature and getting ingredients for me. His own plan for the future is to attend St. Marie too. He's wanted to go there just as long as I have. He loves the place so much; he wants to be a teacher there when he grows up. Too bad for him right now, he's still too young. So he can't stay with me. He was a little jealous about it at first, but it's all cleared up now.

And finally there's me, the only daughter of Makoto and Ichigo Kashino. I've loved sweets ever since I was a little girl. I spent a lot of time in my parents' shop and just grew to love it so much. I promised my parents I would take over their shop when I was old enough, so ever since I've been intent on learning how to bake. My mom taught me my first sweet, the vanilla cupcake when I was 8 years old. I've been improving my skills ever since then. So I consider myself to be a pretty decent baker. I'm super excited to be joining St. Marie to bake to my heart's content. But at the same time, I'm just glad to finally get out of my house.

I know my family loves me, but there are times I really just want to get out of there. After all, I've been living there for the past 13 years. I call myself 'The Awkward Middle' because I'm the middle child. I'm not the oldest or the youngest. So I'm usually the easiest to ignore. But not anymore! Now that I'm going to St. Marie, I can be my own person. I'm not 'Michael's Little Sister' or 'Dylan's Older Sister' I'm Lynne. And that's it.

"Yeah I know," Michael drawls on, "It's a big deal, I get it. As much as I'm happy for you, you've really got to stop bouncing. It's annoying me."

I'm about to reply, when my Dad stops me. "Okay you two, that's enough." He turns the corner and I sigh. No use in arguing with him. I learned a long time ago that my dad is really stubborn and will hardly ever change his mind.

My mother on the other hand, is the sweetest person I've ever known. She's very patient and kind. She forgave me for a lot of stupid things I did as a little kid. One time, I ruined her favourite dress and she got really mad at me. But she forgave me and even said she was sorry for yelling at me. She's the best mom a girl could ever have. Of course, I love my Dad too. He may be stubborn and a little bit cold, but that's just how he is. I know, no matter what, he still loves me and that's all that matters. And even Uncle Andou tells me, my dad used to be a lot worse before, but Mom really has softened him up a lot. Although, he always denies it.

Dylan whines softly beside me. He's been sleeping for the past hour or two, but I guess he's waking up now. "Lynnie...?" He mumbles quietly. Even now, at 13 years old, I'm still called that. It annoys me sometimes, because Michael's already outgrown his nickname, but it is kind of cute when my little brother says it.

I smile and pat his head gently. He groans softly before I reassure him to fall asleep again, and he soon does. I do make it sound like he's a baby, but he's not. He's really loud and outspoken, sneaky and smart; it's only when he's in cars that he really turns into a little kid. He gets very easily car sick and our whole family had learned the best thing we can do, is get him to sleep during car rides.

"Lynnie, look!" My mother turns around to face me. She's sitting in the passenger seat, her soft brown hair tied in a messy bun, "I can see the school!"

"Where?" I gasp excitedly, pushing Michael with my arms to try and see through the window. Another downside to being the awkward middle kid, I have to sit in the middle. Dylan needs the side seat, because he's easily car sick and Michael just gets everything because he's older than I am.

"Hey watch it!" Michael groans, as I lean to the side, almost completely sitting in his lap. I stare out the window, trying to look past the endless sea of trees. And then I see it. The beautiful building that is St. Marie.

I squeal excitedly and Michael pushes me back into my own spot, "Okay you saw it," He sighs, "Can you please not sit on me?"

"Ehehe..." I giggle nervously, "Sorry 'bout that."

XxXxX

Dad finally stops the car and I pretty much fly out of the car. Unfortunately for me, I trip over Michael's foot as I jump out and fall flat on my face. "Ow..." I grumble, rubbing my nose. My Dad always tells me I'm as clumsy as my mother. I sincerely hope that isn't true, because Mom told me stories when I was little about how much she would fall down the stairs.

Soon, the rest of my family is out of the car. Dylan is back to his energetic self. He tugs on my arm excitedly, "Lynnie look! LOOK!" He points to the building, "Can you believe you're here? I'm so jealous!" He bounces up and down, "Only 3 more years until I get to join you. 3 years is way too long!"

I nod, silently praying he'll let go. I don't need people staring at me. Dad unloads the last of my bags from the back. Michael is helping him carry them; meanwhile Mom is looking for something she seems to have misplaces on the car ride here.

"Excuse me, are you Lynne-chan?" I look up to see a boy with bright green eyes and brown hair staring at me. He's holding a bouquet of flowers and as soon as I set my eyes on his smile, I begin blushing.

"Um... Yes," I stammer sheepishly. I realize that Dylan is still attached to my arm and turn an alarming shade of red, "Dylan!" Shaking my arm, I hiss quietly, "Let go!" He complies and races of the talk to Michael.

"Welcome to St. Marie Academy," The boy says with a bow, "It's a pleasure to meet you mademoiselle," he takes my hand and presses his lips to my knuckles, "My name is Isho Hiro."

My face must be hotter than the surface of the sun. "N-nice to meet you... Isho-kun."

He smiles gently. Releasing my hand, he gives me the bouquet of flowers. I take them and sniff them, "Hey, are these made of candy?" I ask, shocked. They look so much like real flowers; you never would guess that they're fake.

"Of course," Isho says with a shrug, "Only the best for you mademoiselle."

"Who are you?" He freezes, hearing a voice behind him. I cringe inwardly, Oh no. Here we go again...

Isho turns around to come face to face with my father. His eyelids are lowered and he's crossing his arms. "K-Kashino Makoto-sama!" Isho gasps, "You're Lynne-chan's father?"

"I am," He says casually, as if it's no big deal. He leans in closely and I take a step back. "If you do anything to my little girl, I swear..."

Isho squeaks in alarm, "S-sorry, I didn't mean to..."

"Makoto!" My mother intervenes, grabbing Dad by the back of his shirt, "Excuse my husband," she rolls her eyes, "He's just a little too protective."

"Hey! I am not!" He argues, trying to pull away from her.

"What's your name?" Mom asks, ignoring Dad who is still protesting, yet can't escape her grasp.

"My name is Isho Hiro," He stammers, I can tell he's slightly weirded out by my odd family.

Mom smiles, "It's a pleasure to meet you." She lets go of Dad, "Come on Makoto, you've got to loosen up. You won't be here to protect her ever second of the day!"

Dad crosses his arms and scowls, "He was being a player!"

"Was not, he was being hospitable. Hanabusa-kun did the same thing for me on my first day."

Mom and Dad continue arguing and Isho comes up beside me. "Do your parents always argue like this?" He asks, laughing nervously.

I sigh and nod, "Sadly... They do."

XxXxX

After Mom and Dad finally calm down, dad sets my bags in front of Hiro and I. "I assume by your character..." Dad says stiffly, "That you're princely enough to carry my daughters bags for her?"

"Dad!" I gasp, face-palming myself. Why must my parents be so embarrassing?

"Princely...?" Isho repeats, raising an eyebrow, "I would suppose so... Sir." He adds sir awkwardly, unsure of what to call my dad.

"Give it a rest Makoto," Mom groans, "Go back in the car so I can talk to Lynne please." Dad always listens to Mom; I guess it shows how much he loves her.

He walks back to the car, telling Michael and Dylan to follow suit. "So," Mom says, "You're finally here."

I nod. Isho has begun taking care of my bags, so it's just me and mom. "I'm so proud of you," She continues, "You've grown up to be a beautiful young woman."

"Aw Mom..." I reply sheepishly, rubbing the back of my neck.

"I want to give you something," Mom tells me, opening her purse. This takes me by surprise. I didn't realize my parents were going to give me something. Paying for my tuition was already enough for me. "Here."

Mom hands me a small silver box and I gaze at it with amazement. The box has 'Jewelry' written in fancy golden letters. This must have been really expensive. "Open it," Mom laughs. With shaking hands, I open the box and gasp. Inside is a silver necklace. There are two charms on it. One, is a delicate golden strawberry. It's carved to make it as realistic as possible, each seed carefully set. The second is a silver bar of chocolate, smoothed over to make it appear glossy and perfect. "Oh Mom..." I breath, feeling tears prickling in my eyes, "This is so beautiful."

"Your father and I are so proud of you," Mom says, taking the necklace from the box, "This is juts a reminder for you, no matter what you do, we'll always be there for you."

I can only picture Mom and Dad at the jewelry shop, picking out these charms. Strawberry, to remind me of Mom, chocolate to remind me of dad. "Thanks Mom," I smile at her, feeling tears finally pool in my eyes. This is it. I'm going to be staying here and Mom, Dad, Michael and Dylan are going to go home. Mom puts the necklace around my neck and clasps it shut.

"I love you," She says, kissing me sweetly on the forehead.

"I love you too Mom," I whisper back, rubbing my eyes. I don't want to cry.

Mom pats my head before smiling. Her smile is happy, yet sad at the same time. I can't even imagine how hard this must be for her. "Promise you'll come and visit?" She asks.

"I promise." I say, my voice wavering slightly.

She holds my hand one last time before letting go. "Good bye Lynne."

"Good Bye Mom." She gets into the car and tells something to Dad. He starts the engine and I watch as my family wave's good bye to me. I wave back, and Dad eventually begins driving away. I see them pass the gate and turn, and then they're gone.

XxXxX

I reach for my neck and run my fingers along the necklace. I can feel tears threatening to fall, but I don't want to cry, this is a happy day.

"Um... Lynne-chan?" I turn and Isho is waiting for me. He has one of my bags slung over his shoulder and is dragging the other.

"Sorry Isho-kun," I smile, "So where are we going?"

He begins walking in the direction of the campus, "It is my job to escort you to the dorms, your room mate will take over after that."

I scurry after him, still holding the bouquet of candy flowers, "Okay."

"Let's go Lynne-chan," He smiles and we walk together towards the dorms.

XxXxX

I have to admit. St. Marie Academy is absolutely gorgeous. The cobblestone steps and huge water fountains make me feel as if I've just been transported to Europe. I look around, transfixed, while Isho is lugging around my bags. "Here we are," He says finally, "This is the girls' dorm." He sets down my bags and flips his hair, kind of like the way Uncle Hanabusa does. "Sadly, I'm not allowed in. But your roommate should be here shortly. Do you need me to wait with you?"

I laugh and put my hands on my hips, "I'm okay waiting on my own," I boast proudly, "After all, I AM a Kashino after all!" I take pride in my family. I really do. I'm always proud to be a Kashino.

"Okay," He smiles, "I'm sure we are in the same class Lynne-chan, so I'll see you around."

"Thank you Isho-kun," I grin, waving to him. And he walks off, disappearing into the boys' dorm.

I sit on my luggage and wait. Who could my roommate be? Mom and Aunt Rumi are best friends, so I really hope I have a nice roommate too. I could use a friend, of course, Isho-kun is nice, but I need some girl friends too.

"Excuse me, are you Lynne-chan?" I look up to see a girl my age. She has long black hair that reaches her mid-back. She has bright amethyst eyes that sparkle in delight. She's wearing the simple pink St. Marie uniform and has a white bow in her hair.

"Yes, I am," I say with a smile. Standing up and brushing off my skirt, I extend my hand to her.

She takes it and grins at me, "My name is Hiroko Hana, feel free to call me Hana-chan."

"Hana-chan?" I say, in awe, "That's a really pretty name."

She laughs sweetly, "Well, it's very common too. You're name is much nicer, it's very different from usual names here."

"T-thank you," I stammer, blushing lightly. No one's ever complimented my name before. They usually ask me why I'm Japanese with a Caucasian name.

"Anyway," Hana continues, "I'm going to be your roommate, I hope that's okay with you?"

"Of course it is!" I shrug, "You seem really nice! I'm sure we can be great friends."

Hana takes one of my two bags, "Come, I'll show you to our room." She eyes my bouquet of flowers, "I assume you've met Isho-kun already?"

"Eh?" I say confusedly, "How did you know that?"

She giggles and points to my flowers, "He gives flowers to every new girl. Really nice isn't it?"

I snort, "Hm." Hana eyes me questioningly, "Oh nothing," I laugh, smirking, "It's just my Dad was right. He is a player."

Hana rolls her eyes, "You betcha, come on, let me show you our room."

XxXxX

Our room is a simple room with two beds on either side of the room. Each side has a desk with a lamp set on it. A matching chair is tucked into the desk. A single pink uniform is laid out on the bed. "That's yours," Hana points to it, "The others are in the closet."

"Thanks," I say, putting down my bags and picking it up. I stare at the crisp St. Marie emblem and a chill runs down my spine. I'm really here. I'm really going to the school of my dreams.

"So, as you can guess," Hana continues, "This is your side of the room. That's okay, right?"

I smile, setting the uniform back down on the bed. "You don't need to keep asking me if everything is okay Hana-chan, I'm usually fine with anything."

She blushes sheepishly, "Sorry, just trying to make you feel more comfortable."

I clap my hand on her shoulder and smile boldly, "I'm almost never uncomfortable in the first place. So don't worry 'bout it!"

Hana smiles and crosses the room to pull back the curtains covering the window. I join her and look out to see the view. "Woah, what's that?" I point to a statue of what looks to be a fairy. She's very pretty and seems so magical.

"Have you ever heard of sweet spirits?" Hana asks.

It sounds familiar, though I can't quite place my finger on it. Shaking my head, Hana continues, "They say sweets spirits are beings that are said to live at this school. According to legend, if you are to see one, they make your dreams come true."

"Wow!" I breath, my eyes sparkling dreamily, "I wonder what it must be like to meet a sweets spirit."

"I know right?" Hana agrees, "I can only dream of what it must be like." She pauses before saying, "We can go down and see the statue if you'd like."

"Of course I would!" I say excitedly, clapping my hands together, "Let me just change into my uniform and we can go."

"Of course, of course," Hana says. I cheer and grab the uniform off the bed. Running in the bathroom I change quickly so we can head out.

XxXxX

"Wow!" I say, my voice filled with awe. The Sweets Spirit statue looks even prettier up close.

"This is the Queen of the Sweets Spirits," Hana tells me, "She's in charge of the whole Sweets Kingdom... Or so the Legend says."

I smile, "That so cool!" Putting my hands together I pray silently, Hello Sweets Queen, my name is Kashino Lynne. I'm so excited to finally be going to St. Marie Academy. Please watch over me.

"Lynne-chan... Just because she's a queen doesn't mean you need to pray to her..."

"It's okay!" I cheer, "I just hope I can do better and better!" I place my hands on my hips, "I'm going to improve my skills so much the world won't know what hit them!" I wink at Hana and she laughs nervously. She doesn't seem like the most outgoing person in the world.

I take a step back, "Just watch out world! Because I..." I take another step back. Curse me and my clumsiness, but I trip backward and begin falling. "WOAH!"

Before I hit the ground, I feel some catch me. I open my eyes, unsure as to why I haven't fallen yet. "O-Oh!" I'm in the arms of a boy with blond hair. He has huge, golden coloured eyes and stares at me intently. In fact, he almost reminds me of my Dad.

"Oi," He says. I'm surprised in how emotionless he sounds, "Watch where you're going."

"S-sorry..." I stammer. I notice there are two boys behind him, one has dark black hair and navy blue eyes. The other... "Isho-kun!"

I get up and the blond boy rolls his eyes at me, "Sheesh. I don't even know you and you're already annoying me."

I narrow my eyes at him, before turning to Hiro. "Hi Isho-kun! Are these two your friends?"

Isho smiles at me. Gesturing to the friend beside him, he says, "Yes, this is Komanda Aito."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Komanda says, bowing politely.

"Same for me Komanda-kun," I grin, "My name is Kashino Lynne."

The blond rudely interrupts me, "Eh? You're the Kashino kid that everyone's been talking about?"

I turn to him, "How rude! I was still talking!"

He shrugs and grabs hold of my wrist. Holding up my arm, he says, "I just expected... More. After all, your parents are well known patissieres."

"Again," I rip my hand away from his grasp, "RUDE. Who are you anyway? You haven't even introduced yourself!"

"My name is Himoto Kazuye," He scoffs, "Not that it's any of your business."

"You really are rude!" I snap, crossing my arms.

He stares blankly, "It's not like I really care what you think... After all. Looking at your type, I can see your probably not that good at making sweets."

"EXCUSE ME?" I am suddenly filled with fury, who does this kid think he is anyway? "You'd better watch out Himoto Kazuye! You've just started playing with fire! I just happen to be an amazing Patissiere!"

He smirks. That expression just for some reason makes me furious, "Prove it Kashino."

"Is that a challenge Himoto?" I ask roughly, crossing my arms.

"Baka, of course it is," He rolls his eyes, "I challenge you to a competition, tomorrow, in class. Whoever gets the higher grade wins."

"YOU'RE ON!" I shout. Not thinking. It's one of the many things I got from my mother. Making hasty decisions.

"See you later Kashino," Himoto says snidely, stalking off. Ishio and Komanda follow him.

"EH!" Hana screams finally, grabbing hold of me, "What did you just do Lynne-chan!"

"What?" I ask perplexed, "I happen to be a great Patissiere. No way that... Himoto, can beat me!"

"Himoto is top of class!" She says, her voice shaking. My eyes widen. I am again paying for hasty desicions.

"Oh no! What do I do?" I flail my arms around, "If I don't get a higher grade then he does, I'm screwed!"

"I'm not sure!" Hana moans, "I'm only in B group, I wouldn't know!"

This is just great. First day and I'm already screwed.

Meanwhile, a little pink butterfly flies overhead. "Hm," She says quietly, "She reminds me a lot of Ichigo."

Me: I absolutely need feedback on this! Should I continue? Should I drop it?

Kashino: Drop it. You're putting too much on your plate at once...

Ichigo: Kashino! Stop it. She can do whatever she wants!

Kashino: But-

Me: Please Review!

:D