Page 82 of Cloud Storm

Go and kick some ass today, just not mine for a change.

Proud of you,

The man standing on the bleachers x

Chapter 19

People say that when you have a lot to do, time flies by. It’s true.

The minutes turn into days and before I know it, I’m standing in the city hockey stadium preparing for the contest.

I know the other pastry chefs who are going to compete. They’re really good. I would be stupid—and also very arrogant—if I thought I was better than any of them. However, I could say that although they have a lot more experience than me, if I get my timings right and make the right choices, I’ll make good progress in the challenges.

In the end it will be a matter of luck and who makes fewer mistakes.

Here we go.

A production assistant guides me through the makeshift kitchen, explaining the operation of the ovens and other implements. Out of the corner of my eye, I see the other participants receiving similar instructions.

Working in an unfamiliar kitchen is not easy, so I’m grateful to at least know where everything is located.

We’ve also been allowed to bring some other appliances from our own kitchens, so I decided to bring some of my molds, cake decorating instruments, and other ingredients that I use on a daily basis.

The sheet of paper in my hands trembles with every step I take. I hope that by the time the bell for the first challenge rings, I’ll have managed to contain my nerves. Otherwise, I doubt I can even hold a batter bowl.

I’m alone right now, not even my assistant is allowed here at this time.

Ariel against the world, just like the old days.

A production guy tells our guides that time is up, so we run to find our assistants to prepare for the ultimate baking challenge.

After half an hour they inform us that the time has come to prepare to enter the arena. We are gladiators, but instead of shields and swords, we now have spoons, beaters, and stainless steel bowls as weapons.

“Are you ready, boss?” Katie asks me, holding my hand, giving it a good squeeze.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

“You got this,” she replies.

“On air in two minutes, everyone to their spots.”

We walk along a narrow corridor, the same one used by athletes to go out to the field. My jaw falls when I see the bleachers full of people.

I walk forward proudly, and it’s then that I realize I’m not alone after all. Yes, the spotlights are on me, but I have people here who support me. A long time ago I had to leave those who I thought would always be my only family. However, destiny, the universe, God, or whatever you want to call it, has rewarded me.

There’s Mr. Hatz, Chase, Roselynn—and all our bakery employees—and of course, there he is. Looking at me as if I were the brightest star in the sky.

I proudly look down at my purple T-shirt which has the logo of ‘The Sweet Tooth’ printed on it in white letters, and then look back up to see that all of my friends are dressed in white T-shirts that mimic mine. But none can compare to Lancelot, the way his eyes are fixed on mine. I can’t look away, not that I want to.

“In just a few moments four bakers will fight in a battle for cupcake dominance…” Jonah, the contest presenter begins with his introduction.

“One by one they will be eliminated, having been evaluated by the judges for both taste and presentation. In the final challenge, the last two contestants standing will have to put everything together in a magnificent fantasy presentation and impress the judges with it. The winner will have the honor of presenting their cupcakes at a large event here in the city of San Diego.”

The crowd goes crazy clapping, while the giant screens at the back of the stage display our presentations. Each of the chefs introduces their business and their history.

I’m number three.

“Ariel Wilkinson,” I hear my name called through the big speakers. “Partner and head bakery chef of The Sweet Tooth, a rustic bakery located right here in downtown.”

---