Page 83 of Cloud Storm

Lancelot stands up cheering me on and behind him all my friends and employees do the same, while I see on the screen the interview they did a few days ago with Roselynn and Mr. Hatz making cameos in the short video. They both tell a little about my story—what they know—and the public goes crazy, because mine is a story of perseverance and overcoming the odds. When the host says ‘From the streets to success’, I raise my hands shouting ‘Goal Digger’.

That’s me, always chasing my dreams.

The last contestant is introduced and in the meantime, I have to wipe my hands dry several times on the compression leggings I’m wearing. I didn’t want to dress differently than usual. I know it’s television and all about appearances, but for me, it’s about being comfortable and doing what I do in the best way possible.

“Now we will introduce the judges.” My knees tremble when I see Mia Trivelpiece, one of my role models, sitting there behind a white large table. She is the owner of one of the most successful pastry companies worldwide, and I hope one day to be like her.

The other judge is known for being the iron man, a Frenchman who looks down his nose at everything put in front of him, with a tendency to destroy the participants.

Finally they present the mayor of the city. This is big.

I have to do my best work.

I’m here, there’s no going back.

“The battle is about to begin, the challenge has been established, the judges and participants are ready. Let’s get the battle started.”

We walk up to the front, the four participants aligned. Ready to be told the secret ingredient, which we should use as the basis of our first cupcake.

“You know that this challenge is about flavor. However, since it is a special episode of our show in this city, the judges will also evaluate you for creativity and originality in both recipes and decoration. And our secret ingredient is… pistachio.”

I almost cry in pure relief when I realize that I can work with this. I was prepared for something crazy like anchovies or creepy-like insects.

“You have forty-five minutes for this first challenge and your time starts now.”

Pistachios. I. Got. This.

I’m running to where Katie is waiting for me, ready to receive instructions.

“It has to be original,” she reminds me.

I give her a look that lets her know that I have already drawn up a plan. We’ll go with an unusual combination, but I’m positive it will work perfectly.

Pistachios tend to be salty, so we’ll balance their flavor using a compote of black and red cherries. In addition to that we’ll have a sour cream frosting with more cherries and pistachios.

If everything goes as I imagine, the result will be magnificent.

While I take care of the compote for the filling, I instruct Katie to prepare what is necessary for the decoration.

I have a surprise in mind that will literally be the cherry on the cake.

“Twenty minutes,” calls Jonah, the presenter and at that moment the oven bell rings, letting us know that our cupcake tray is ready. Now just a couple of minutes to cool until we can start decorating.

Here, time flies by.

“Ten minutes,” they call out and I feel the cold sweat dripping down my back.

I got this.

I got this.

Fuck, I got this.

Katie is in charge of putting the frosting on top of the three regulatory cupcakes, and just as the countdown begins, I’m finishing with the decorations, some roasted and crushed pistachios. We clean the plate and three, two, one, the bell rings.

Hands up.

A production assistant dressed head to toe in black and with headphones on his head, takes the plate with the three cupcakes to the table where the judges are sitting.

---