Page 84 of Cloud Storm

They’ve done the same with the other three contestants.

Off air, a cameraman takes close ups of the cupcakes, just before the judges take them.

Dying from nerves, I hope my turn comes soon. I’m the third again.

The judges shatter the first girl, who is the owner of one of the most famous patisseries in the city. She wanted to impress with a gluten-free cupcake, but according to the French judge, it did not turn out very well. It’s dry and the taste of pistachio was nowhere to be found.

The second baker presents his creation and Mia praises and applauds him. The Frenchman is less enthusiastic, but even he ends up telling him that he has done a great job.

“Ariel, introduce to us your cupcake.”

I have to clear my throat before I can start talking, my mouth has gone so dry.

“I have prepared a pistachio cupcake, combining it with a filling of maraschino cherries and black cherries. Frosting is a delicate combination of sour cream, cherries, and pistachios. This time, as a surprise element, I have decided to change the cherry on top of the cake. Instead, as you can see, I’ve used a macaroon to crown my creation.”

Trembling, I watch the judges as one by one, they remove the paper from the cupcake, then take a couple of bites using a fork, murmuring between them.

“Ariel,” says Mia. “The cake is delicious, light as a cloud and the compote perfectly complements it. However,” and this is where the soul leaves my body, “I would have liked to taste more of the pistachio, because it is overwhelmed by the sweet cherry. It’s a great job, but it doesn’t highlight the main ingredient.”

Shit!

Now it’s Claude Markel’s turn, the Frenchman. “It’s a delicious cake, I think it’s the best compote I’ve had since I’ve been a judge of this program and the macaroon is a very pleasant, delicious and fresh surprise. However, you lost sight of the main ingredient.”

Which means that I have not passed the test. I’m sure they will eliminate me in the first round.

I look up at the bleachers. Roselynn has her hands over her mouth, while Chase hugs her. Mr. Hatz remains serious and thoughtful. Despite the judges’ comments, Lancelot smiles at me, mouthing “You got this” while he places his hands on his chest over my bakery logo.

I got this. If I make it to the second round.

If I get that opportunity, I will bake the three best cupcakes in history.

It is a promise that I make to myself.

“Bakers,” the presenter calls us. “You may retire to your work stations while the jury deliberates.”

I walk to where Katie awaits me and I swear these are the longest five minutes of my life.

In general, judgments give me goosebumps, but I know this is a necessary evil. I’m not being judged, but my work is, in very special and stressful circumstances.

They call us to line up in front of the jury again and they remind us one by one of our successes and mistakes.

“The eliminated contestant has forgotten a part of this challenge, which is the originality. Andrew,” they tell the second participant, “Your cupcake has not been original enough to impress the judges. You are eliminated from the competition.”

My body shivers with pure and utter relief. I have another chance. They gave me another chance.

Boos and applause are heard from the audience. Each contestant has brought their support group. I hear my name being shouted and that fills me with energy again. I have another opportunity and I won’t waste it.

Here comes the second challenge. The presenter takes his place in the center of the stage before starting to speak.

“This is San Diego, the home of the one of the finest baseballs teams in the entire country, so you have to create three cupcakes celebrating our team. For this challenge, you will be evaluated for taste, originality, and presentation, and you have ninety minutes to accomplish the task. Your time starts now!”

I have to think this through carefully. But I don’t have the time.

Breathe, Ariel.

What’s at the stadium?

Hot dogs? Ugh, no for a cupcake.

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