Chapter 9, What's Cooking?
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SPRING 24TH – TUESDAY
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Chelsea's POV
I'm up early as usual, doing the same things. Getting ready to go to work and drinking my daily orange juice with the bitter medicine.
As I was busy drinking it, there is a knock at my door. I put my now empty cup into the sink and walk over to the door. I open it, and there stood Dr. Trent. He smiled at me, amazing me that he could be just as happy in the early morn.
"Morning Chelsea. I have some good news!"
"Please tell me it's about my bandaged arm, I can't take much more of this…!"
I really can't, it felt so weird not being able to use my other arm. There are times I forget it is wrapped and I would try to use it to lift objects with it… And then I would remember that I can't… It gets annoying after a while…
"Well then you'll like to hear that I am removing the bandages today! Also, I will assign exercises for that arm as well!"
"YAY!" I exclaimed punching my one good hand into the air.
Dr. Trent shook his head, but he smiled in reply.
"Glad to see that you are happy with the news. Now, may I come in?"
I opened the door fully and he walked in.
"Have a seat at the table. Just make yourself feel at home… Would you like anything?"
He shook his head as he sat down.
"No thank you. But, thanks for asking." He said in reply.
I sat down on the other seat, but sliding it closer to him. He took the sling off of my shoulder, by unsnapping it.
"Can you move your arm? You should be able to by now."
I moved my arm a little. It felt very stiff and a little lighter then my other arm. It still felt painful, but not as much.
"Very good! Now, please put your arm on your table here, and then I'll take off the bandages."
I did as he asked and he began to remove the bandages, doing it slowly, making sure to not hurt me at all.
"Couldn't I have taken the bandages off myself?"
"Yes, you could. Though that's not why I need to take them off myself. I need to make sure your skin looks healthy, giving me an idea of the condition of your bones. After all, if you have done as I asked, you should be fine; by your skin being normal color. Though, your muscles would most likely be stiff and weak from lack of motion for so long… So, that would be the reason of why I need to give you simply exercises to do, before you move on to doing heavy work." He explained as the last bit of the bandage came off.
He closely looked at my arm, up and down it with his eyes.
"Hmmm… Well, it looks healthy and your skin is not discolored… And you can move your arm… This is good then, your arm has recovered enough, and you should be able to do exercises with it now…"
He bends down and opens his little black bag (I didn't see it before). He takes out something and puts it onto the table. It was a small dumbbell and a- weight clip.
"I want you to exercise with the weight clip first. That should help loosen your muscles a bit, your muscles need to first tense up a bit. And then you can use the dumbbells. Understand?"
I nodded my head in reply, picking up the spring clip with my uncovered arm. I tried squeezing the grip together as hard as I could, but I felt so weak… I could only grip it a little, not even the ends of the tool were touching.
"It'll be difficult at first, but you'll get use to it…" He said.
He stood back up with his little bag in his hand.
"I want you to exercise as much as you can. If you do it daily, you should be better by the 28th."
He headed towards the door and opened it. He faced me once more.
"If you have any extreme pain or have any questions, let me know."
He opened the door then he left, closing the door behind him gently. I continued gripping the tool as hard as I could, not giving up easily.
"Well, I have all day to get better today… The cooking contest is today… I wonder if Pierre will let me enter…"
The one who reminded me about the cooking contest today was Mark. He told me yesterday and wondering if I was going to enter…
"I don't think Pierre would let me enter… I basically just got a deal with a famous company… And if I win, people might consider it as cheating…"
I stood up from my seat with a sigh. I wanted to enter…
"I'll go and maybe I can try to convince Pierre to let me enter… Or, maybe I don't need to convince him at all…"
Pierre's POV
"I'll be back to see you later Natalie... Today is going to be a long day…" I told her.
She nodded her head in understanding.
"I know…"
She frowned and pouted.
"I wish I could enter this year! It's not fair that this injury is preventing me from participating!"
Natalie would usually enter the contest with a drink for the 'Soup/Drink' category. But, she obviously can't this year…
"I know Natalie… I would love to make your drink, but that would be considered cheating of course… I would obviously pick yours to be the winner… Maybe you can enter next year…"
She sighed in defeat.
"I know…"
"Until then, you have a whole year to come up with something creative! That's not so bad!" I said to her, trying to cheer her up.
I saw her roll her eyes, but she smiled anyway.
"You better get going. People will be lining up to enter the competition."
I nodded my head.
"I know… I'll be back." I told her, smiling at her.
She smiled back at me, just a little. I then decided to leave her 'room' to head towards the meadow where the competition will take place.
Everything was set up already, including the counter where I had to stand behind with the clipboard resting on top of it. I knew it wasn't 10 o'clock yet, otherwise there would be people already standing in a line, waiting for me to list them on a category of their choice.
I took my place behind the counter and waited. I was sure that it wouldn't be too long before it would be 10 o'clock.
Sure enough, after standing there for only about 5 minutes or less, people started walking across the bridge and some immediately stood before the counter. I got the clipboard ready and I pushed the button of the pen down.
"Name please?"
I already knew some of the competitors names, since many of them have entered the competition last year and the year before. Not only that, I knew this face well enough, even if I hardly see her…
"Sa-Sabrina…"
"Category of your choice?"
"Sa-salad please…" She said in her meek voice.
I nodded my head and added her name to the list.
"You have until 12PM to bring back your dish for the category. 1PM being the latest. If you don't return by then, you will be disqualified, no exceptions to this rule. The category you entered will be the first to be judged. Any questions?"
She shook her head.
"Good. I'll see you later, good luck!"
She nodded and then she ran off. Next person up was another familiar face.
"Name please?"
"I don't see the point giving you my name when you know it already."
I smiled at Denny.
"Yes I know. But, I'm just doing the normal procedure is all…"
He sighed, but shrugged his shoulders and gave me his name.
"Category of your choice?"
He stood there, thinking it looked like…
"Hmmm… I'll try appetizer."
"Let me guess, your dish this year will be fish? Which is it, sashimi or fish sticks?"
He winked at me and said, "That's a surprise. It wouldn't be any fun if I told you."
"Always the same every year, I don't see why not…"
"Well, fish is 'all' I know how to cook… But, it's still fun to make and eat none-the-less!" He said with a smile on his face.
"Yeah fun for you to eat it all of the time, but I get kind of sick eating it all of the time…"
I sighed instead of voicing my thoughts.
"You have until 12PM to bring back your dish for the category. 1PM being the latest. If you don't return by then, you will be disqualified, no exceptions to this rule. The category you entered will be the second one to be judged. Any questions?"
He shook his head, said, "Thanks." And left.
Next up was Lanna, who also entered the appetizer category as well. After her, Julia was up and her mother joined as well- both entering the appetizer category… Famous category this year… After them were two other villagers, Hazel (my rabid fan girl) and Tonya, both entering the salad category. Then Regis and Felicia entered, both entering the soup and drink category. Other villagers entered as well, participating in different categories.
After adding on yet another name to the clipboard, I was about to leave and come back later, thinking no others would participate. But then, when I looked towards the bridge, I saw two familiar faces- Mark (who I don't want to see right now) and Chelsea.
I will admit that I am quite envious of Chelsea's luck for being chosen to sell her food. I am reluctant to talk to her because I am afraid that I would show my jealousy through my voice…
"Please tell me she is not considering on entering…"
Of course, I had to be wrong… Chelsea continued to walk forward towards the counter while Mark stood by the entrance. She finally stopped in front of me.
"Hey Pierre…"
"Hello Chelsea… You're planning to enter?"
She twirled her fingers, making me realize that her injured arm wasn't in a sling anymore.
"I see your arm is not in a sling anymore."
"Yeah… Dr. Trent came by today and took off the bandages… He told me that I need to exercise it and things of that sort…"
"Good for you. Glad to hear you're okay…"
"Thank you… I'm sure Natalie will get better too… Just give her a little time."
I said nothing to that. She sighed.
"Pierre… I came by to ask you if I can participate in the contest… I know it might seem unfair that I enter because it is already pretty much known that I am a- good cook…"
I knew she was being a little modest with calling herself a 'good cook'… I thought otherwise, especially if someone like Mr. Katsuda thought she was good enough to sell her cooking dishes with his company…
"But, it would be good competition… Right? We-Well, maybe not… But, I really want to participate…" She finally admitted.
I sighed.
"Chelsea, if you want to participate, you can. There are no rules stating that you can't enter. If that was the case, then winners from the past contests would not participate because it wouldn't be fair to the new participates. By making everyone participate, including those that won in the past, makes it more interesting and encourages everyone to do their best. That's just how it works." I told her.
"Oh… That's great! But then, how come you don't enter?"
Well, she caught me there. I couldn't help but chuckle.
"Well, someone needs to taste and judge the dishes."
She folded her arms in reply, an eyebrow rising on her face.
"Uh-huh… Basically you would automatically win."
I couldn't help but smile at that.
"Yeah… That too."
She shook her head.
"Okay Chelsea… Which category would you like to enter?"
"What are the categories?"
"There are 5 categories. Salad, soup and drink, appetizer, main, and dessert."
"Hmm… I like to make desserts… But, I'll do something else instead… I'll take a shot in the soup and drink category." She said.
I added her name to the list.
"Very good! You have until 12PM to bring back your dish for the category. 1PM being the latest. If you don't return by then, you will be disqualified, no exceptions to this rule. The category you entered will be the third to be judged. Any questions?"
She shook her head and smiled at me.
"Wish me luck!"
"I don't think I need to." I said to her.
Hopefully she won't take that comment the wrong way, thinking that she'll be an automatic winner… I have to be fair…
She happily skipped back to the bridge, where Mark was still standing. I saw him look at me once, and then looked back down at the ground. I just twirled my fingers, feeling slightly guilty for yelling at him a few days ago… I could have talked to him in a more civil manner, but I think my temper got to me first… Maybe I should apologize to him…
"I'll try to talk to him later… Not now…"
Chelsea's POV
I stopped skipping in front of Mark.
"So, are you going to enter?"
He shook his head at me in reply.
"Nah… I don't think I'm good enough to participate… Anyway, I have to worry about the crop festival on the 29th. That's more than enough competition for me." He said.
"Oh yeah… Well, good luck with that then!"
He smiled slightly and said, "Thanks Chelsea."
He said nothing for a moment, and then he asked me, "Which category are you entering?"
"I've decided to enter the soup and drink one… I might make a soup…" I told him.
He looked at me surprised, but he nodded his head and said, "Good luck! But, not like you'll need it."
I just nodded my head in reply. Not wanting to waste anymore time, I told him I'll see him later and I crossed the bridge. I only had about an hour and a half to make something… Luckily my house is close by…
As I crossed the bridge, I almost bumped into Sabrina.
"Hey Sabrina." I said to her with a smile.
She looked at me and smiled back at me slightly.
"M-Morning Chelsea… Are you participating too?"
I then noticed the bowl she was carrying. It looked like some sort of salad dish.
"Yeah I am… I can see you're entering too. A salad dish huh?"
She looked away from me slightly, her face faintly turning red.
"Ye-Yeah… I like to cook on occasion… My dad makes excellent soup… I was able to convince him to enter…"
"Well, I guess I have to watch out, I'm entering that category as well." I told her.
"Really? Well, good luck to you."
"Same to you."
She looked at me, long and hard, then her eyes widened.
"Your arm…"
"Yeah. It's getting better." I told her, shaking my arm to demonstrate that it was okay.
She nodded her head, then I saw her look down at her dish, and then she frowned a bit. She turned away from me and headed towards her house it looked like… I guess she thought she should make her dish better…
"Well, better get going…!"
I quickly ran to the door of my house, unlocked it, and entered. I walked up to the fridge and opened it.
"What should I make…?" I said out loud.
I looked at the ingredients I had in my fridge. Some of the things in the fridge were beginning to lose their freshness… I have to use them somehow…
"I know! I'll make miso soup!"
I grabbed some cabbage, potatoes, an onion, a shiitake, and a little seaweed. I looked at the large fish I had in the fridge, but decided not to add it to the soup.
I took all of the ingredients to the kitchen counter. I clapped my hands together and rubbed them (still relishing the feeling of using both of my hands now).
"Well, let me begin!"
"Almost done…!"
The miso soup inside of the large pot I used looked done, but I wanted to make sure that it was... So, I let it cook for a few more minutes. I looked at the clock on the wall. I only had a few more minutes before 12…
The soup smelled really good. I was tempting to eat a bowl of it myself. But, I knew if I did, I would feel sleepy and be too lazy to move once I sit down… Finally, I thought the soup was cooked enough.
I grabbed a clean bowl out of the cupboard and I grabbed the silver soup ladle Pierre gave me as a birthday gift off of the counter. I put the bowl on the counter and I stirred the contents again, using both of my hands. After about a minute of stirring, I scooped up some of it and put it into the bowl- making sure to capture all of the ingredients I used for my soup. I kept doing it until the bowl was filled up.
I turned off the stove and I grabbed a spoon from inside of the drawer. Putting the spoon into the bowl, I touched the bowl, but quickly withdrew my hands.
"Ouch! Hot..!"
I tried again and the bowl didn't feel too hot. I picked up my creation and smelled the aroma that emitted from it. I felt like gulping down the whole thing, even if the contents burn my tongue… But, I resisted the urge to eat it… Maybe I'll have time to come back and eat a quick snack…
I left my house, locking the door behind me (difficult to do with a hot bowl in my hand), and walked across the bridge to reach the meadow. As expected, Pierre was there behind the counter. Behind him, was a small tent that was set up… I guess to hold everyone's entries…
I stopped in front of Pierre and he beamed at me.
"Right on time!" He told me.
He wrote something in his clipboard and he waved his hand behind him.
"Please put your dish in the tent behind me. Put it on the appropriate table. The tables are labeled, so you shouldn't have a difficult time finding it."
I nodded my head and walked behind the counter. I entered the tent, and inside were tables for each category- as Pierre said. As I walked along the tables, while finding the one for my category, I couldn't help but look at the other entries. There were a few salad dishes, some appetizer dishes- including popcorn (I almost ate the snack- it smelled so good!), a few main course meals- one was a whole pizza, and other dishes I saw.
The smell inside of the tent was very addictive! Even though the aromas are mixed with different types of food, it felt pleasant… I could tell the difference between the smells and almost identify which dish it came from, while the other smells that I couldn't identify- I just enjoyed it.
I finally found the table for my category and I put the dish on the table. I decided not to look at the other entries; it would ruin the fun (surprise) if I looked at them now. I turned away from the table and left the tent.
As soon as I left the tent, I saw Julia approaching the tent, with her own entry in her hand. She smiled at me.
"Hey Chelsea!"
"Morning Julia!"
She giggled and then she noticed my unwrapped arm.
"Chelsea! Your arm isn't wrapped up anymore!"
"Yep! Dr. Trent took it off earlier today! I'm glad too... I was about to go crazy with the thing… I was beginning to feel like a mummy!"
She laughed of course.
"Well that's a good thing then!"
She looked behind me, and realized where I just came from.
"Oh… You're entering too…? Which category?"
"Soups/Drinks."
She sighed in relief.
"Well that's really good! I wouldn't have to worry about competition against you then! Not like it'll be fair that you'll win."
I couldn't help but laugh at her.
"Don't be so sure, I saw some really good dishes in there. Pierre might not pick me as the winner… It wouldn't be fair against the other competitors if he did. It might look like he is cheating or something…"
"Pfft! Cheating or not, you're most likely going to win in that category!"
"Well… If you say so…"
"I know so!" She said.
She then walked pass me to enter the tent as well.
I continued my walk and waited in the meadow. I saw others bring in their dishes as well. I saw Sabrina, Regis (her father), Denny, Lanna, Felicia, and others that I know and do not know. I saw Pierre tell them all to put their entries in the tent with the others.
Julia finally came out of the tent and ran right up to me. And she had that slick smile on her face… Oh boy…
"So Chelsea… I didn't get the chance to ask you but… Remember your birthday party?"
"Uh… Yeah… What about it?"
Her smile widened.
"Well, I saw Denny push Vaughn… And he kind of bumped into you… I didn't get to see what Denny said, but I remember seeing you and Vaughn leave the house… What were you two up to?"
"I asked Denny if he wanted to hang out with me, but he said he was busy. So, he suggested that Vaughn hang out with me instead." I said with a shrug.
I didn't see what the big deal was- or why she wanted to know… Her smile widened even more so- if that is even possible…
"And he agreed to do so?"
"Uh… Yeah… Why are you asking?"
She giggled and shook her head.
"Oh Chelsea, you are so naïve."
"Somehow, I don't want to know what you are thinking…"
She looked around, looking for someone obviously.
"Ah! There he is!"
I looked in the same direction as her, but I only saw Denny and Lanna there, not Elliot… The person I thought she would be looking for…
"Julia… I only see Denny and Lanna standing there, I don't see Elliot…"
"I know! I have to go give Denny a hug." She said with that smile still on her face.
"Give him a hug? Why?"
"Oh, for doing what he did."
Doing what he did? What is she talking about? I decided not to ask… I didn't think it was wise to go 'hug' him either... Lanna will most likely get upset…
She walked away from me, leaving me alone… And, as she said that she would do, she hugged Denny. Denny was obviously caught off guard; I could see him sputtering words at her, most likely confused with the whole embrace. I could also see Lanna face get red and she put her hands on her hips to emphasize how angry she was. She started yelling at Denny and it looked like Denny was trying to tell her that the whole thing wasn't his fault. I shook my head and finally looked away from the whole scene. I didn't want to put myself in the whole thing.
I looked around and realized how many participates there were this year. I saw a few people give me glares, people I didn't know… Obviously, they thought it wasn't fair that I was allowed to enter… I sighed…
"Maybe I shouldn't have entered…"
Too late to turn back now though… If I win, then I win. Nothing can be done about that.
I looked around some more, trying to look for familiar faces. I didn't see Mark anywhere, but that would be most likely due to him not wanting to enter… Though, I was surprised that he wouldn't show up to at least watch… I saw Sabrina, she was standing by her father.
I walked to where she stood and greeted her. I noticed that she was looking at the scene going on that Julia caused.
"What's going on over there?" She asked, looking at me.
"Eh, Julia started it all… She went over there to 'hug' Denny."
She looked confused with that, just like me with Julia's actions.
"Why would she do that?"
I shrugged my shoulders.
"I don't know. She did that after I told her that Denny suggested that Vaughn hang out with me on my birthday…"
She looked at me in surprise.
"Vaughn… Hung out with you?"
"Yeah… Denny suggested it, and he just—did it, even though he didn't have to…"
"That seems- odd of him… That explains why he left with you…" She said, saying the last sentence lower, almost impossible to hear.
"Odd of him?"
Truthfully, I still don't see what the big deal is with him hanging out with me… Though, maybe it is a little odd, because he doesn't usually 'hang out' with anybody… At least, I haven't seen him do that…
She shook her head, as if shaking a thought out of her head.
"Ne-Never mind what I said… You think you'll win?"
I shrugged my shoulders. Maybe I am being modest, but, I didn't want to get my hopes up too high.
"I don't know. My soup might win."
At that, her father looked at me and he laughed- not loud, but loud enough.
"So, you're one of my competitors? Well, this will be a little interesting! I think I'll beat you easily. Even if you have been labeled as a good cook based on your performance on your day, I will win…. Which I still think the whole thing was rigged…"
"Fa-Father…!" Sabrina exclaimed at her father's rudeness- the loudest I have ever seen her.
I just smirked at him, ignoring his rudeness.
"Don't be so sure Mr. Regis. The tables may turn."
"Hmmm… Yes. Maybe your dish will spill and you'll be disqualified."
Wow… He must really want to win… I then looked behind him, and I saw Dr. Trent looking around- he looked a little upset… I'll go talk to him.
Leaving the two without saying goodbye to them, and slightly hearing Sabrina scolding (she does that?) her dad; I walked to where Dr. Trent was. He looked a little surprised to see me, even though it should be me that is surprised seeing him there.
"Hello Dr. Trent. Here to see what's good to eat here?"
He frowned slightly.
"Not really. I came here to see what unhealthy dishes people have cooked …"
I saw his eye twitch.
"Tell me… Since you entered the competition and all… Did you see any- french fry dishes back there?" He asked me.
I went through my memory, trying to remember if I saw a french fry dish or not…
"Oh yeah… Well, I think I saw one in the tent…"
I looked at his face, and he looked annoyed and slightly angry… I've never seen a doctor get mad before.
"Well, I'm going to make sure I give that person a lecture on how french fries are bad for your health!"
Well, that's one way to get on a doctor's bad side... Eat something unhealthy… I saw him look at me, the anger still there on his face, though it looked like he tried to calm down a bit.
"So, what did you make?"
"Uh… Miso soup…" I told him, hoping he won't get angry with me.
"Well then… That's not bad. It has plenty of vegetables in it at least- being used in a good way. Though, I think you should have made herb soup instead. It gives you all of the energy and antioxidants that you need. Antioxidants are-"
I couldn't help but tune him out. He got all- science on me… Not that I don't mind science or even a lecture to learn something new, but he was just going a little overboard. I wanted to sneak off, but he was looking at me, making me kind of freeze in my spot…
But, just then, Mark appeared beside him. He looked at me with a smile and interrupted Dr. Trent's lecture- where he stopped talking- something about heart disease…
"Mark….! I thought you said you weren't going to participate… Or are you here to watch?"
"Well, I'm here as an participate… I changed my mind once I got home… I'm entering the appetizer category." He said to me.
"Oh! That's great! What's your dish?"
"French fries."
Uh-oh… He shouldn't have said that… Dr. Trent was just talking about that...
As I expected, Dr. Trent turned towards Mark.
"You made that dish Mark! I'm surprised with you! I'll have you know that french fries are not good for your health! The potatoes loses it-"
I took that chance to sneak off. Mark face held surprise and he looked a little annoyed.
I decided it was best for me to stand alone and just wait. But, I didn't have to wait for long… I saw Pierre put his hands over his mouth, to carry his voice over the crowd.
"Attention everyone! The competition will begin momentarily! Those of you that entered the salad category, please go get your dish and put it on this table. Judging will begin soon!"
The table Pierre was referring to was long and could hold up to at least 10 dishes, possibly more. The table was covered with a long white table cloth, making it stick out and impossible to miss.
I saw some people walk right pass me, including Sabrina, approaching the tent to get their dish most likely. After a few minutes went by, everyone had their dish on the table (the table was filled too), waiting for Pierre to judge their dish. I silently hoped Sabrina would win, she looked like she needed some encouragement or something- she seemed to always look down…
Pierre spoke loud again.
"I now officially begin the contest! Any late comers have all been disqualified! No exceptions! Now, first category to be judged is salad!"
He stood in front of some person salad dish. He took out a fork from some unknown pocket and he took a bite out of the guys' dish. He made a comment about it, a few good things about it, but mostly bad. He continued the cycle, and I just tuned him out… That is, until he reached Sabrina's dish… As for Sabrina, she didn't look good. She looked nervous- I mean really nervous. I couldn't tell, but she could be sweating…
Pierre took a bite out of her dish, and he smiled.
"This dish… Even though it is an herb salad, I have to say that it one of the best herb salads I have ever tasted! I can taste each and every flavor of the wild grasses that you used in this dish. Just taking one bite out of this makes me burst with energy! Good job!" He said to her.
I saw Sabrina sigh in relief and she smiled just a little. Pierre moved on to the last person, someone I didn't know, so, I kind of don't care…
Pierre finally finished all of the entries and he stood on the side, writing on that clipboard he had earlier… After only a few minutes went by, he asked all of the contestants (for the salad category) to turn away from the table and face the crowd. They did as they were asked and waited for the results…
"Well, I have to say that this year for the salad category, it was a little difficult to come up with a winner! But, I have finally decided!"
He looked down at his clipboard once again before he looked back up at everyone.
"3rd place goes to— Hazel!"
A few claps went all around, and said girl jumped up in glee and she ran towards Pierre- and hugged him… If Natalie was here, if she was better, she would have most likely clobbered that girl- and pretty far too… I laughed at the funny image in my head. She finally let go of him and happily walked back to her place.
"Uh-um… Yes, congratulations..! Anyway, 2nd place goes to— Aiylee!"
That girl bowed down, slightly, and smiled at everyone. Claps went all around again… It was finally time to hear who got first place… I again looked at Sabrina, and she looked like a nervous wreck. She was fidgeting with her pink sweater, constantly pulling it down, most likely stretching the material.
"And 1st place goes to— Sabrina!"
Sabrina sighed in relief and she smiled. I, and others, clapped for her. And I thought I heard her father say, "Not surprising really. Of course she would win."
Pierre turned towards the participates.
"Thank you all for participating! Winners will earn their reward at the end of the festival! Those of you that didn't win this year, please work hard to win next year!"
All of the contestants took their bowls and moved away from the table. I saw some of them leave, most likely those that lost, while others stayed.
"Next up is the appetizer category! Those of you that entered, please retrieve your dish and bring it back to this table!"
Once again, the table was lined up with dishes. The people I recognized were Denny, Lanna, Julia, Mark, and Mirabelle.
Denny's dish, as expected, was a fish dish- sashimi. I honestly don't see why he would enter, his dish would most likely not win… Though, it would be funny to see him win…
Mark's dish, as he said, was a plate with french fries on it. Wonder how Dr. Trent would react if he won in this category with that dish…? He'll most likely give Pierre a longer lecture…
Lanna's dish, as I didn't expect, was what looked like baked yam. Looked good too… My stomach growled a bit. Luckily nobody heard it… I knew I should have eaten something before I came here!
Julia's dish was some sort of bread- steamed bread? But, it didn't look right… The bread is supposed to be fluffy-like and not look a little black… She's not going to win, I know that… I'll make sure to cheer her up when she doesn't win… I know I shouldn't say such things about her- dish… But it really didn't look good, and I'm just being honest… If she knew I was thinking like this, she'll most likely kill me and never talk to me again.
Mirabelle's dish looked delicious! I recognized it as some sort of croquette dish…. Goodness… I would like a bite out of that! My stomach growled again, most likely agreeing with me…
There were two other contestants, but I didn't know them… And their food entry didn't look that great… But, sometimes looks are deceiving…
Like before, Pierre stood in front of each contestant taking one bite (maybe two) of each dish while commenting about it. I ignored his comments, until he got to Julia that is…
When he took one bite out of her dish (and he looked reluctant to even touch her dish), he immediately looked like he was going to faint or get sick- possibly both…
"Uh… Well… I can see that you tried at least… But, this dish tastes very- bad…" He said, being straight-forward.
Julia didn't look very happy with that, and she started to argue with him. Pierre took the blow, and Julia only stopped arguing when her mother gave her a warning glance. She pouted and sulked, but said nothing else. I couldn't help but laugh at the whole thing; she never gives up- especially when it concerns her cooking…
Pierre continued his tasting and telling routine, until it was finally time to announce the winners.
"3rd place goes to— Mark!"
Well, that one caught me by surprise; Mark looked surprised as well. I couldn't help but look at Dr. Trent's face, and he looked a little annoyed that his entry won. He's definitely going to lecture Pierre about that later…
"2nd place goes to— Lanna!"
I saw her jump up and down in glee while clapping her hands. Denny beamed a smile at her, just as glad for her.
"And 1st place goes to— Mirabelle!"
That one wasn't surprising, I expected her to win- though it would have been funny if Denny won…
Pierre again instructed them to take their dishes away and the winners will earn their winnings at the end of the festival.
I saw Lanna and Denny take their dishes away and they started talking about something- most likely about fish and him commenting her… She looked angry with him still though…
As for Julia and Mirabelle, as I expected, Julia looked a little upset that she didn't win. Her mother was cheering her up though, like a mother would do… I'll go cheer her up in a moment and congratulate her mother as well…
As for Mark, he left the meadow with his dish… I don't know why or where he was going, but he left… Maybe he didn't want his reward? Though, I also noticed he looked down about something…
Now that I think about it, Mark hasn't really been himself lately… He has been a little less- cheerful then usual… I may not trust him as much, but I really hope he's okay…
I quickly approached Julia and Mirabelle and congratulated her mother.
"Don't feel bad Julia… You'll probably win next year… Besides, Pierre just doesn't know how to- react to your wonderful cooking…" I said to her.
I'm lying to her of course, but, I wouldn't be mean enough and tell her the truth. However, she saw right through me. She glared at me and said, "Stop lying, the both of you. I know I'm a bad cook… But, I really am trying…"
"Uh… Okay, you're a bad cook…"
She pouted at that. She wasn't expecting me to agree with her.
"But, look at the bright side! That would mean that- uh- Elliot would have to cook for you all of the time! Not many men like cooking for women! But, he seems determined to!" I said to her.
At that, as I expected, she smiled.
"Yeah… You're right…"
I saw her eyes go all twinkly with the smile still on her face. Mirabelle slightly thanked me.
"Next up is the soup and drink category! Those of you that entered, please retrieve your dish and bring it back to this table!"
I ran to the tent, beating anybody else to the tent, and I found my bowl of soup. Even though it wasn't as hot now, but it still felt warm. I again had a strong urge to eat it. Of course, I again held back, though it was getting really hard too…
I exited out of the tent and put my bowl on the table, others followed. Of course, by 'good luck', Mr. Regis put his own bowl of soup right next to mine. He looked down at my bowl, not even a hint of amusement on his face. He kept his face blank and professional.
"Hmmm… Good luck…" He said to me, though his tone was flat.
"Same to you." I said to him, being sincere.
He turned away from me and looked ahead, now waiting to be judged. I did the same.
Not too long after, Pierre was finally ready to judge the soups and drinks. Felicia was the first one up. Hers was a drink. It was a light color that looked orange and yellow- a fruit drink maybe?
Pierre used a spoon anyway to try it (to not contaminate her cup?). As I expected, he praised her drink and rarely said anything was wrong with it. Next to her was that old lady that owned the Café (Madelynn?), she had a soup entry, luckily not the same type as mine… It looked like some sort of tomato soup… Pierre also gave her good comments about her dish, he said nothing negative about it… Next to her was Regis… I have been trying to guess what kind of soup it was, but I couldn't tell… I guessed it had to either to be spaghetti or pumpkin… Pierre had a spoonful of it and he smiled in reaction.
"As you always seem to do Mr. Regis, your soup tastes marvelous! I can't tell what you add to it that gives it that 'oomph', but whatever it is, it works! It's not too salty and the little cheese you added to it gives it this- cheesy taste! Very good!"
I looked down at my own soup, wondering now if I really had a chance against him. Going by Pierre's comment alone, it sounds like Mr. Regis has won in the past… Wonder if I'll win this year…
I looked at the ingredients in my bowl, and I again wanted to eat a spoonful…
"One spoonful might not hurt… No! I'll wait… Just a little longer…!"
Pierre finally stopped in front of my own entry. He looked at my soup and he twirled his spoon in one hand.
"Miso soup huh? Good choice…" He said in a low voice that only I could hear him (possibly Mr. Regis heard him as well).
He put his spoon (not using mine) into my soup and he took it back out, a piece of potato on the spoon with other chopped up vegetable littering the spoon, along with the liquid itself. He opened his mouth and put the spoon inside it. I saw him chew the food, thoroughly and slowly… And then, his eyes widened and he smiled at me.
"Well, this certainly tastes different! My tongue feels all tingly! Anyway, I have the say that the fish you added to this dish makes it taste a little fishy and-"
"Fish! I didn't add any fish in my soup!"
Dr. Trent's POV
I was watching Pierre taste Chelsea's soup and I saw him beam and commenting her dish… However, a few seconds later (maybe even less so) he was acting oddly… Me being the doctor that I am, I can't help but be observant… That first thing I noticed was that his eyes looked a little 'bugged out' (lamest terms) and his pupils seem to dilate… The second thing I noticed was that he looked like he had a difficult time breathing… His chest wasn't moving at a normal rate…
"Something's not right here…"
And, here's the thing, I recognize those symptoms… Is he having an asthma attack? No, not likely… It's something else…
I saw him take one step sideways, and I realized that he staggered a bit… As if he was dizzy… And then, the answer hit me! I immediately ran forward, telling people to move out of my way.
About time I got to him, he collapsed onto the ground…
Natalie's POV
I looked at my somewhat unexpected visitor, who was sitting on a chair not too far from the bed.
"Well… It's been a while since you've last seen me…" I said to him.
Mark smiled lightly at my words.
"Well, I have been kind of busy lately…"
I don't know the reason why he is visiting me (for any of his visits). I knew he came from the cooking festival, since he came into the room with his entry in his hands. His entry lay on the table, untouched by him.
"Why are you here anyway? You didn't win?"
"I won 3rd place actually… I just left to visit you is all… Making sure that you're okay…" He said to me.
"Uh-huh… Are you sure you're here to see me or to ease that guilt?"
He looked at me surprised.
"Gu-guilt?"
I hate it when people pretend they don't know what you are talking about, when they damn well know… But, Mark is just like that sometimes.
"Yes, your guilt. Pierre told me what he said to you a few days ago... He tells me everything."
"Or I at least I hope he does…"
Mark sighed and he slid his hand over his face.
"He told you huh…? I should have known…"
He sighed again and looked down at the ground.
"Well… Do you think he's right?"
I shrugged my shoulders, as best as I could.
"I don't know, you tell me." I said to him.
He sighed once again, not wanting the answer I gave him most likely.
"Why don't you ask Chelsea?" I told him, almost mocking him.
He pulled on one of his gloves nervously and said, "She doesn't know about it…"
I sighed, now annoyed.
"Look, I don't understand why everyone is confiding in me about whatever is bothering them. Quite frankly, it's getting on my nerves. First, it was Chelsea about why she's not visiting me, then Vaughn-"
He looked up at me at the mention of his name.
"Vaughn? What was he doing here?"
He looked annoyed and slightly angry, both emotions I have never seen him do before… Not even those times I tried to piss him off a long time ago (was it that long ago?) when he was a 'happy-go-lucky' person… Nothing seemed to anger him…
"Yeah… He came by here on White Day… And he gave me chocolate cookies." I lied.
I only said it just to see his reaction. As I expected, he looked at me in disbelief and then he frowned in confusion.
"Uh…" He said, not sure how to reply to me.
"I'm just kidding Mark, take a joke once in a while. Jesh…!"
He laughed, but it was a forced laugh… The asshole… Don't laugh now; it's not as funny when the joke is told that it's a joke!
"He gave me a regular chocolate bar, and he told me that he was giving me one because he 'appreciated' that I took Chelsea's place… Seems kind of sick to me, but who's complaining."
After my explanation, I saw him frown more… He looked more pissed off. I wish I was in a better position and- mood… But, I couldn't help but smile.
"Oh…! So that's what's going on…!"
I already had a small feeling that he might have had a thing for 'Miss happiness', but I just took it as a feeling- not evidence. Well, what I'm seeing here is evidence enough!
He looked at me, clearly confused.
"What are you talking about?"
"Hmm… Well, I can see now why you did what you did… Though, as Pierre said, it seems kind of unfair…"
He still looked confused, but I wasn't going to explain myself to him… Whenever I see Pierre, I'll tell him about Mark's changed behavior- or whatever…
Just then, the door opened (slammed open is more like it).
The first thing I saw was Dr. Trent, no surprise there… And the person he held over his shoulder, I thought it was a child at first… But then, I saw the familiar purple suit…
And I felt my gut tighten, and I had a bad feeling that today- just turned into hell…
Dr. Trent looked at Mark and yelled at him, "Get out! You must get out!"
Without arguing, Mark got up from his seat and left the run in haste, though I could see the concern on his face.
Dr. Trent slammed the door in his face with his free hand and he put- Pierre onto the empty bed that was beside me. Pierre didn't look good. The color of his skin was a little discolored (darker- almost a greenish/blue) and he was breathing rapidly, as if he couldn't get enough air into his lungs. His eyes were closed and it looked like he was- frozen.
"What the hell happened!" I yelled at the doctor.
He was busy taking off his white coat and he threw it somewhere on the side.
"Puffer fish…!(1)" He said to me.
What the hell is puffer fish! I don't know what that is! But, whatever it was, it did this to Pierre.
The doctor put his hand on the side of his neck, feeling for a pulse it looked like. He sighed in relief, but he ran out of the room. He came back shortly after with some sort of weird machine in his hands.
"What are you going to do with that?"
"I have to empty his stomach before the toxic spreads anymore! If I don't hurry, he'll most likely die from the poison."
I started having a hard time breathing myself.
"Pierre… Die! He better not die on me! Or I'll go to wherever he is at and then kick his ass! He can't leave without telling me about it!"
The machine he had, he put it onto Pierre's stomach. He kept picking up the thing and hitting (more like slamming) the thing down against his stomach, trying his best to empty his stomach… And I'm watching the whole thing… I focused on only Pierre's face, his little body being forced to move up and down again- as if he was receiving an electric shock…
I suddenly saw something drip from the side of his mouth. The doctor took the machine off of him and turned him over, now he was on his stomach. He moved him so that his head was lingering on the side of the bed. He left the room once again, and came back with a bucket…
He put the bucket under his head (most likely, Pierre was facing away from me) and then he constantly patted his back- hard.
"Come on! You got to vomit it up! It can't stay in your stomach!" He yelled in frustration.
I realized that he was sweating a lot, noticeable on his forehead. He didn't bother wiping it away though, he continued hitting Pierre's back instead… But, Pierre continued to act stubborn and would not cough up the contents.
"Damn it Pierre! Do what he says!" I yelled at him, not sure if he can hear me or not.
As if he heard me, I heard coughing coming from him… And then I heard the gagging noise and then the heaving… I closed my eyes, not wanting to see him in this state. I tried to also tune him out, but I already heard the disgusting squishing sound hitting the bucket.
I opened my eyes once again, but looked at the doctor. I expected him to be at least a little disgusted, but he seemed all calm and unmoved by Pierre's- actions… He sighed in relief.
"Thank Goddess…"
He flipped Pierre back on his back after he was done. He put the pillow behind his head and he put two fingers against his neck once again. He looked at Pierre up and down, an intense look on his face.
"The color of his skin seems to be turning back to normal now… Though at a slow rate… His breathing seems to be returning to normal as well…"
He took off something from around his neck. It was a stethoscope of course. He put the metal part of it against Pierre's chest, moving a little of his purple suit out of the way in order for it to touch his skin.
"Hmmm… His heartbeats sound normal…"
He pulled it away from his skin and he snapped his fingers in front of Pierre's face.
"Are you awake? Can you hear me? Respond if you can, any movement will do." He said.
Pierre didn't move, he continued to just breath. He sighed in reply.
"Of course…"
"Of course what!"
It wasn't right of him to keep information to himself or say something out loud and not explain it to me.
"He seems to be stable- for now… But, most likely he's paralyzed…"
"Paralyzed!"
He nodded his head.
"Yes… Puffer fish can do that to you…"
I gritted my teeth in anger. The so called fish obviously came from some dish back at the festival.
"Who did this to him?"
"Uh… Well, I can't say…" He said to her.
"Answer the fucking question!"
If I wasn't in the current state that I was in, I would have gladly punched the doctor without hesitation. He finally sighed in defeat.
"The last thing he ate was miso soup… Which was- Chelsea's entry…" He finally admitted.
That stupid damn bitch! Didn't she know what she was cooking! And if she didn't, she had no business making it in the first place!
Dr. Trent sighed once again and he took a seat at the same chair Mark sat in before. He slid his hand down his whole face, obviously frustrated and exhausted.
"As I was somewhat saying before… He is stable for now… But will most likely be paralyzed still… However, just because he seems normal, doesn't mean he will- recover… If he is fine in about 4 hours to one full day, then I can be absolutely be sure that he'll live and recover. He might go into coma for a few days if he does live…"
"And what happens if he doesn't- recover in 4 hours…?"
The answer is obvious to me, I know that damn it! But that doesn't mean I believe it…!
He gave me a look, one that basically said, "Do you want me to say that out loud?"
I sighed in answer, and then I told him, surprising him, "Leave…"
"I'm afraid I can't do that. I have to watch over him and make sure that he'll recover and-"
"I SAID FUCKING LEAVE! I'M NOT ASKING!" I yelled at him from my laying position on the bed.
He didn't flinch at my tone or outburst; I guess he somehow expected it. He's probably getting use to me; he has been 'taking care of me' for the past few weeks.
He sighed in defeat and said, "I'll be back in 10 minutes… No more, no less… Anything happens, yell for me…"
He picked up the bucket that contained Pierre's stomach contents and he left the room, closing the door gently behind him.
When I thought he was gone far enough from the door, I extended my arms towards Pierre's bed and I crawled on my hands and elbows, pulling my whole body. Luckily his bed wasn't that far, or I would have fallen onto the floor and wouldn't be able to get up…
Even though the whole crawling was difficult to do, making my back hurt a little each time I moved, I made it. I was hovering, just a little, over Pierre's small body, mostly his chest.
"Pierre…"
I griped his tiny hand and intertwined it with mine.
"If you can hear me… Squeeze my hand…"
Nothing… I felt no pressure or anything… I sighed.
"Pierre…"
I could feel my whole body shaking… I never display my feelings like this, not to anyone. I feel so damn weak when I do this… It makes me feel like I'm like- Elliot… Ugh…
"I want you to listen good and long… If you dare leave me here alone… So help me… I will go wherever you are- and I will swiftly kick my foot up your small ass…! You hear me…?"
No response from him… Not even a crack of a smile hovered on his lips. I couldn't help but hit his chest; I think I did it hard, but in this moment. I didn't care; my anger was getting to me- and something else…
"Do you hear me damn it!"
Still no response from him. I kept hitting his chest; my hits were getting lighter and lighter…
"Answer me! I said answer me damn it!"
Of course, still no response…. I put my head on his chest- and I cried… Something I haven't done in a very long time…
"Pierre… It's not fair… It's not fair…!"
Pierre's POV
I can hear her… Sobbing… In all of the time I have known her- I have never seen or heard her cry… Never…
I tried to speak, but my tongue, no… My whole mouth felt numb… I couldn't move my head; I couldn't move my arms; I couldn't even open my eyes to look at her… I can't move anything… I couldn't even taste the spit in my own mouth… I couldn't even swallow it… I won't die drowning on my own spit- will I?
"Natalie… I wouldn't leave you… You know that… I wouldn't dare do that…"
I felt so weak… So weak… And tired… But, I wasn't going to give up! I won't do this to her! She doesn't want me to go! I don't care what the doctor said! I will live!
Even though every particle of my body felt numb, and I couldn't feel anything or even feel Natalie's soft and gentle touch (which I just knew was somewhere), I used all of the strength I had- and I squeezed her hand…
"I'm not going anywhere…"
Dr. Trent's POV
"What's happening on this island? This is the third person I had to deal with concerning injuries… This many people shouldn't be getting hurt- especially in one season…"
I buried my hands in the palm of my hands and sighed, for possibly the thousandth time that day.
I was in my rented room, sitting on the bed…
"There's got to be a logical explanation for all of these- accidents…!"
I could demand for answers…
"No… I won't… Not this time… But, if someone else gets hurt… Then I'll demand for some answers… And I will not take 'no' as an answer…"
Denny's POV
She was still standing there, in front of her entry… Just staring into it… She hadn't left that spot since Dr. Trent yelled that it was puffer fish that caused the reaction on Pierre… Not even when Julia came up to her and tried to talk to her… I saw her nod her head or she didn't do anything at all to her reply. Julia gave up on her… Others came up to her as well, including Sabrina, but she didn't reply to any of them… I haven't seen Mark yet…
I sighed.
"Better do something…"
Someone touched my arm.
"She's not talking Denny… She's scaring me…"
That was Lanna's voice, and she really sounded concern.
"Same here Lanna…"
"She won't wake up from her daze Denny…"
"Well, I haven't tried yet… I'll take a crack at it…" I said.
She took her hand off of my arm and I walked up to where Chelsea stood, stopping beside her.
"So… A rough competition huh! Guess we'll never find out who won right?"
I hit my elbow against her lightly, but she didn't react to it. I held back the sigh I wanted to make.
"Puffer fish huh…? I have to say, not even I would catch one of those things… I don't mind sharks, sure, but a puffer fish is a completely different thing… It's like trying to catch a jellyfish and then try to eat it…! They require a lot of equipment and the person needs to be super careful with those things! Not only that, they're very difficult to cook…"
She turned towards me and sighed, but didn't say anything.
"Puffer fish… Just wow… It's funny that they puff up, making them look funny and harmless. But, it's strange that they are quite the opposite… I didn't know you don't mind taking risks like that."
I looked at her again, and realized her eyes glazed over a little.
"Oh… Did I say something wrong…?"
"Denny… I didn't add fish to my soup…! It somehow got in there! I was thinking about adding it to my dish earlier, but I changed my mind! But, even if I did add fish to it, I wasn't planning to add puffer fish to it! What kind of person do you think I am!"
In the back of my mind, the words 'omen' filled it. But, I ignored the word, still thinking that the whole thing is bogus.
"O-Okay Chelsea! Calm down…! There's no need to panic… Maybe one of the other contestants got their bowl mixed up with yours! Maybe the person was adding a last ingredient and put it in yours by mistake! I mean, it is kind of dark in that tent, making it hard to see whose bowl is whose…"
She sighed.
"You could be right…" She said.
She looked down at her bowl again.
"The person must have worked really hard on it… The piece of fish that Pierre ate looked like a piece of potato that I cut… The person must have cared about the presentation of their dish… Looks count as well- I guess…" She said, slowly warming up to my idea.
I patted her back.
"Hey, Pierre will be fine. You'll see. He'll be walking around in no time! Though… He'll be hard to see due to his shortness…" I said, while shifting my eyes around.
She laughed a little, just the response I wanted from her. She sniffed once through her nose and then she shook her head, but she still had the smile on her face.
"Ye-yeah…"
She picked up her bowl and faced me.
"Thanks Denny…"
I shrugged.
"No problem…"
Her eyebrows furrowed, as if she was thinking about something, and then I saw her eyes twinkled, as if an idea came to her.
"I-I got to go! Thanks Denny!"
She then turned away from me and ran off. I just scratched the top of my head in confusion.
"Uh… See ya Chelsea!" I yelled before she left the meadow completely.
I saw Lanna beam at me, but her eyes were asking me, "What did you say to her?"
I don't think I've said much, not really. But, all that matters is that it worked.
Mark's POV
I just left the hotel. Dr. Trent told me that nobody is allowed in the room, at least, not until tomorrow…
"What happened to Pierre…? Dr. Trent wouldn't even tell me…"
He was fine when I left the meadow…
I was walking down the path now, planning to go talk to Elliot about what happened. He'll be concerned at least a little… Pierre has been keeping Natalie occupied and quite calm… Without him…
"She's going to be a mess… Like a tornado most likely…"
I then saw Chelsea… She looked like she was in a hurry… Maybe she would know what happened to Pierre…
"Hey Chelsea!"I yelled to her, waving my hand at her to get her attention.
She stopped in her tracks and looked at me. I ran up to her and stopped right in front of her. I noticed she had her entry in her hand.
"Chelsea… Do you know what happened to- Pierre?"
She sighed before she said, "Puffer fish… He ate puffer fish…"
"Oh…"
She must have seen my confusion, because she continued.
"Puffer fish is basically a poisonous fish… It came from- my bowl of soup…"
I looked at her in surprise. Why would she put such a dangerous fish in her dish?
"I-I didn't put it in there…" She said, as if she read my mind.
She sighed, and I could tell that the conversation was over… She confirmed it by walking to her house, and she entered without even saying goodbye to me… I sighed once she was out of sight and I continued my walk to Elliot's house…
Chelsea hasn't really been talking to me much… Well, unless she has to…
"I wonder if she's mad at me still…"
I somehow believed that…
Witch Princess's POV
How many hours has it been? Or days? Seasons? How long has it been since I have been searching and searching for a solution to my dilemma!
Anything that concerns magic, problem or not, I am somewhat oblivious to everything- including time. I don't keep up with time anyway. That's why I don't have a clock in my house. But, I don't see the point of one; it's just another distraction that humans use of why they can't get work done. And I am not a human!
Many magical books littered my floor, more so then the many teddy bears on the floor, in their sitting position… But, no matter how many books I have looked through, I still haven't found a solution to my inability to see into the future. I can still do other magic, but I can't do any type of magic that concerns time…
"Damn it!" I yelled in frustration, throwing yet another book onto the floor.
Just then, I heard a knock at my door. Not really caring to see who it is, I yelled, "Come in!" while I grabbed yet another book off of my shelf.
I heard my door creak open.
"Hey Witch Princess… It's been a while since I've seen you…"
I haven't heard her voice in a long time, now that I think about it…
"Ah, Chelsea… It has been a while since I heard from you. Not interested in witches anymore?"
"That's not really the case… I've just been very busy is all… I can see that you're busy as well."
"You have no idea…" I said as I flipped through the page in the book I held in my hand.
"Wow… You didn't even have time to come to my birthday party…"
"Birthday party?"
"Yeah… Mark made a surprise party for me… I can see your invitation on your bed…"
Oh yeah… Mark did come by here some time ago. Talking about some party… Guess it was hers. But, I don't have time for celebrations anyway! Not the problem I still have no solution to.
"Well, if you want, I can give you a quick birthday gift… What would you like? A love potion? That's what I hear is quite famous among humans…"
"No thank you… Though, if it comes to me, I'll let you know…"
"Yes… Now, is there a reason of why you are here?"
"Well… I came by to ask you if you have anything that can help a friend of mine…"
"Does it concern the bad event that happened today?"
I heard her gasp in surprise.
"Ye-yes…! How did you know that?"
"I am a witch. I can sense bad things that occur. Every time something is done wrong, purposely or not, I get this kind of spark throughout my body. How do you think I live for so long? Everyone does something bad, at least once in their life."
"A friend of mine is dying and you're getting a—kick out of it!"
"Well, if your friend dies, I would get a kick out of it. It's the same with animals. You should understand and know this by now."
I heard her sigh in frustration.
"Do you have something that can help him or not?"
"No I don't. Do I look like the medicine girl to you? What happened to your friend anyway?"
"I thought-"
"Just because I sense it, doesn't mean I know the exact details of the damage. I have been very busy, so I only know what's going on a little…"
"He has been poisoned by a puffer fish…"
"Puffer fish eh…? Well sorry to burst your bubble, but there isn't even a known cure for that even among us witches. What moron would eat that anyway?"
She said nothing to that. She didn't talk until a minute or so later.
"I can see that no help will come from here…"
"You should have known before you knocked on my door."
"…. I'll be going then… I'll see you around…"
I heard my door creak open again and I heard it close. I looked towards my door, once she was gone.
"So… Another unfortunate event has happened… I have been feeling a lot of sparks lately… Will these sparks continue?"
Hmm… If I remember correctly, Chelsea mentioned some sort of problem the Goddess was having… She has the same one as me I've last heard… But, how is her sightseeing affected?
"I remember feeling a spark on- the Harvest Goddess birthday…" I mumbled to myself.
I only remember because I planned to leave a little 'surprise' for her… But that was when I started having my own problem…
"Did something happen there that is causing these other unfortunate events?"
It seemed likely, but I don't believe in superstitions… Something is going on… And it's time for me to find out what.
TO BE CONTINUED…
BONUS
Title: Pierre's Oath
By: kitty868theonly
Rating: K; Even a little kid could read this…
Type of Story: Harvest Moon: Island Of Happiness; Pierre; Oneshot (Pierre's POV); General.
Quick Summary: After Pierre has passed his final test of becoming a gourmet, he is now going to work harder towards his dream. Making an oath to himself, will he ever be able to fulfill it?
Character's Presented (in Order of Appearance): Pierre.
Started On & Completed Date: November 10, 2009
Total Pages: 02
WARNING: This oneshot (more like a drabble) has NOTHING to do with the story above. Though, possibly it is… There just isn't a date for it… Anyway, this one was created for 'obvious' purposes… Because Pierre is hurt in the chapter above, therefore it would be best to create an oneshot for him as well.
Pierre's POV
"So… I am finally considered as a gourmet… No longer an apprentice…"
I feel so happy! I knew that if I came to this island, I would be able to find new discoveries as ingredients!
"Not only that… I have discovered friends as well…. Such a charming place…"
The whole island is a very nice place to live… Originally, I only came here to search for new ingredients that could be turned into delicious dishes and then I would be on my way to somewhere anew... But… I don't want to leave…
Strange right? I will say that I still want to reach my childhood dreams of working in that famous kitchen. I still have this desire to travel the world to discover other ingredients… But, this desire that I have isn't as 'fired up' as it use to be… In fact, it feels like it's in content…
"What has changed?"
I hear a knock at my door. Without facing my door I yelled, "Come in!"
I heard my door open and then I heard it being closed again.
"Hey Pierre."
I turned to face my continuous, but in a good way, visitor. I smiled at her and said, "Want to learn something new to cook?"
Natalie nodded her head, once, her face holding a blank expression.
"Yeah, I don't mind. It keeps my mind occupied… Cooking has actually calmed me down…" She admitted to me.
I waved to the stove behind me.
"What would you like to learn how to cook?"
She shrugged her shoulders.
"Anything will be fine truthfully."
I thought about, going through all of the recipes I knew. I then smiled at her widely as the idea hit me.
"How about we try to make finest curry?"
She looked at me in shock.
"That's the most difficult dish to make there is."
"I know. But, if you mess up, think of it this way. The messed up dish will not go to waste at least, it'll be used to help make the finest curry(2)." I told her.
She said nothing, so I continued.
"Besides, you don't like food wasted. So, wouldn't it be best to make this dish?"
She smiled lightly at that and nodded her head.
"Yeah, it would be." She finally said.
"Okay then. I will start the stove while you get the ingredients. I'm sure you know where they are at by now."
She nodded her head and headed towards the shelf to get some of the dry ingredients first while I went to the stove to turn it on.
"She had been hanging out with me lately… I have to say that I admire her encouragement to keep trying… I have never seen her get mad before, even when she messed up on a dish… Well, I have seen her get mad or close to it… However, she only does it when she messes up and the dish is thrown away…"
The reason I think she keeps trying is to not mess up at all, so that way the food will not go to waste…
"I promise to myself that I will work hard towards my dream… But, at the same time, to teach this woman, and to learn something from her as well."
AUTHOR'S COMMENTS/NOTES
I almost have nothing to say about this chapter…
The title of the chapter, 'What's Cooking?' is actually a reference to R.L Stine's Goosebumps series. No, the storyline to his book is not the same to this chapter here- neither is it even close to his plot (at least, I think so)… But, I liked the title of the book enough that I used it as a chapter title.
If anyone is beginning to wonder if this 'omen' is bogus or not- I'm not saying… Believe in whatever you want to believe in… You can take guesses if you want, but I won't answer them- not directly anyway… Future chapters will clear this up, I'm one-hundred percent sure of that! Onto the numbers, not much this time:
(1) Puffer fish: This fish is nothing to laugh about. It's funny when it puffs up and you might have an urge to poke it to pop it… Don't… Puffer fish (most of them I believe) are very poisonous. In Japan (and other countries), this is considered as a delicacy called, 'Fugu', which just means puffer fish in English… Those of you that are 'dying' to eat this dish, eat at your own risk… There is no known 'cure'/'antidote' if one becomes poisoned by the dish. According to Wikipedia (one of the many sources I used concerning this), the victim of the dish will most likely be paralyzed (etc.) but still be conscience and aware of their surroundings… It goes into details about sodium channel blockers (science nerds might know what this is- I do XD) and other things of how this happens and why. There is a dish also of puffer fish that isn't poisonous at all! I rather go for that one, but, me being the cautious one, I just won't try it at all…
To add on to this, this is one of the types of fish that can be caught in the game- during the Spring and Winter seasons only… So, I didn't add this into the story based on- made-up-ness (not a word XD). It's because this fish can really be caught in the game... I will admit that it was rather by- coincidence…
(2) … help make the finest curry: To those of you that might not own the game (or have it); the recipe to make the finest curry dish requires a failed dish, white curry, and rainbow curry. Other ingredients can be thrown in as well.
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