Me: AH. OKAY. Don't kill me! I'm so sorry guys! I know it's been a month. I know you guys are wondering where the heck I went. I'm sorry.
School has been torturous to me. I get so much homework every night. Not to mention I had a lot of trouble getting down what I wanted for this chapter. I had major writer's block for a long time. I'm sorry.
Now, I know you've been wondering where I was and why I wasn't getting anything done. I realized, I have no way of communicating with my readers when I don't post chapters. So, I've made a blog (Oooh~) you guys can check out to get updates from me. Maybe even sneak peak new chapters! The link is on my profile, so go check it out!
I do not own Yumeiro Patissiere!
My Journey, My Story
Chapter 14: Breathe, Second Match Chaos!
Aunt Lemon yells for the match to start and we go for it. I'm seriously nervous because I don't want us to lose just because there are flowers around and there's dust on our outfits. Our team didn't strive to get here just to fail because asthma. I can't let the team down. I just can't.
We're all set to work on our own cakes. I'm trying to move quickly so we can get this all together in time, but it's hard. I can hear myself wheezing. It feels like I'm trying to breathe, but it gets stuck halfway to my lungs. I'm trying to ignore it, but it's becoming increasingly bothersome.
I can feel the sweet princes' eyes on me. I know they are all worried. Coughing into my sleeve, I can feel all the dust still settled on the clothes.
Pushing those thoughts away, I try and focus on my cake. I can't worry about my asthma, or those feeling will end up in my sweet.
My sweet has to be one of the simpler ones. I just need to make a vanilla cake and fill it with strawberry syrup. I can do this.
I hope.
XxXxX
As I continue to work, labouring for every breath I take; Himoto passes by me, "Kashino... Are you doing okay?"
I want to say yes. Because, that's the kind of person I am. But that isn't the right answer. "No," I admit, trying anything to get good flows of air going through me, "Not at all."
"I don't know what to do," He replies helplessly, "I don't know that much about asthma."
I shake my head, "You shouldn't worry. I've got it."
"I don't want a repeat of what happened in the field," Himoto whispers into my ear, "And I don't want you to get hurt. Just take the asthma inhaler already."
It finally occurs to me that it has been in my pocket all along, I don't know why I haven't already used it. "Right," I answer, taking it out of my pocket. I open it up and pull the trigger. Putting it to my mouth, I take as deep of a breath as I can. I'm not inhaling anything. The inhaler is empty.
"H-Himoto," I call him shakily. He looks up from his spot, his eyebrows arched in question. "I-it's empty."
That's when I see a flicker of panic flash through his eyes. "Empty?" He repeats again. There's a deadly silence as I nod my head. He looks around the room, as if that's going to give him an answer. "Wasn't it brand new?"
"That's what I thought!" I exclaim, trying to think back. It was brand new when I put it in. I know it. I just know it. Then... What happened?
Himoto looks frustrated. I can't tell whether he's frustrated over me, or asthma, or empty inhalers or what. He just looks angry. Crossing over to me, he says, "It has to be a set up. Why else would it be empty?"
"I can't believe anyone would do something like that," I respond, wheezing, "Who would?"
"Those two twin girls," Himoto snaps his fingers, as he realizes, "You were right, they were listening in to our conversation at the workshop."
I want to say I'm always right, but I'm sure now is not the time for it.
"They must have told Maya and she must have told them to replace the inhaler. They're trying to get us to lose," Himoto finishes his accusation.
"Well it's working," I reply. I feel lightheaded. I really am not getting enough oxygen. Swaying a little, Himoto balances me.
He grumbled angrily, "Damn it." Looking around, he says, "Hang tight. I'm going to do something about this."
I'm not sure what he means, but I try and focus back on my work. It's hard to focus, it feels like everything is moving around and I can't grasp anything. "Are you okay Kashino-chan?" Komanda-kun asks me.
I shake my head and he presses his lips together. He looks around, "Himoto will fix it. Do you want help with your sweet?"
"You need to work on your own," I argue, rubbing at my chest. My lungs are starting to hurt. There's so much pollen and dust...
"But you need help," Komanda-kun continues, "Besides, your cake is the most important."
Isho-kun joins Komanda-kun in the discussion, "I'll help you too. If anything, your cake needs to be done. Let us help you."
I feel so bad. I don't want their cakes to be ignored, it's not fair. I mean, I know I'm team leader, but we're all equal parts to the team. "Okay..." I agree reluctantly.
Isho-kun gets to work with the whipped cream for the icing. Komanda-kun works with the strawberry syrup and I try and make this vanilla cake.
I wonder what Himoto's doing. I hope he's doing something. If he can't fix this problem, we're never going to finish in time.
XxXxX
I need to sit down. I can't work like this. I feel dizzy. The room is spinning around in weird angles, the lights are blinding. There's nothing I can do about it. I'm not allowed to leave, if I do, we're disqualified. But I can't stay here. I'm going to pass out if I do.
Clutching onto the counter top, I look over to see what Himoto is doing. He has to be doing something. He has to.
Then I see him, he's moved. He's closer to where Maya's team is. I can almost make out what Maya is saying...
As they work on their cake, Maya quickly praises Sitio and Shikufu. "It seems as though everything is going according to plan!" She gushes, taking a cake out from the oven, "I'm proud of you two."
"Thank you Maya!" Sitio exclaims.
"Thanks so much!" Shikufu adds, her smile as wide as her face.
I see Himoto's brow twitch. Or is that just me? Am I hallucinating? I can't think. Just breathe. I can't... But I have to.
"I was reluctant at first, both of you didn't seem too eager to do your job," Maya continues on, "But I'm glad to see you went through with it."
Himoto mutters something to himself under his breath. He turns off his tempering and pours the chocolate into his frosting. He turns the stationary mixer on low, specifically so he can hear what Maya and the twins are saying.
"Well... I was definitely scared about following Team Lynne around," Shikufu admits quietly. They're trying not to let us hear. It's not working.
"We don't think they saw us," Sitio continues, "But don't you think what we did is a little extreme? She looks pale as a ghost."
They're talking about me. What did they do? I want to know. There's a headache spreading from the back of my head all the way to my forehead.
Breathe. Come on, I can do this.
"Nothing is too extreme for competition," Maya chastises them. She always has been a competitive soul. "What we did was only playing the game in our advantage."
"Nonsense," Himoto murmurs under his breath. I can see a storm starting in his eyes. That's never a good sign. He's getting angry.
Sitio puts her cake into the oven and sighs, "But doing what we did... I feel bad."
"Me too," Shikufu chimes in.
"Would you two stop it? Are you trying to guilt me into feeling bad?" Maya exclaims horrendously. She tosses her hair behind her shoulder, "I don't work that way."
"We weren't trying anything," Shikufu defends herself.
"C-could you guys s-stop arguing and focus?" It's the quiet girl. The one who hardly speaks. I'm glad she's finally spoken, but could she wait until I know what they've done to us?
"This doesn't concern you Mako!" Maya snaps. Mako immediately shuts up. I feel bad for her.
"Maya, Shikufu and I have talked about it, I don't think what you did was fair," Sitio argues. I can't believe they're arguing in the middle of a grand prix match.
It's like everything is moving in slow motion. That's strange. I sway a little to the left, grabbing onto the table to steady myself.
"You shouldn't have switched the inhalers!" Shikufu finally breaks. They... Switched them. Himoto was right.
"Well, it's not like she's going to die," Maya scoffs, "She's just slowed down!"
Sitio's jaw drops, "Are you kidding? She looks like she's going to pass out! I don't think this is the right thing to do."
Maya reaches into her pocket, "Do you really think this thing is a lifeline?" It's my asthma inhaler in her hand. Resting gloriously in her palm.
It is a lifeline, I think drowsily, I need it. Please give it to me.
That's when Himoto slams his hands down on the table. "I KNEW IT!" He yells. The whole crowd goes silent.
Maya turns, slightly panicked. Then she sees it's Himoto. "W-what are you talking about Darling?"
"I knew it! You took Lynne's inhaler and replaced it with an empty one," Himoto looks vicious. Why is he so worked up? The lights swing overhead like blurs. They should get that fixed...
"N-no I didn't!" Maya defends herself. Isn't it obvious the evidence is in her hands? Isn't she caught red-handed. Someone should do something...
Himoto storms over, his mouth open in a way that looks like he's going to bite her. Why is he so angry? "That's a sick trick," He spits, his eyes seem to glow red, "She could be seriously hurt by this! What's wrong with you? I understand competition, but this is just evil!"
"I..." Maya is frozen. She doesn't know what to do. "But... Kazuye-kun..."
"I can't believe you," He comes up right in front of her and takes the inhaler out of her hand, "I knew you were crazy, but I didn't think you were a complete idiot."
Her jaw drops. I don't think anyone has ever spoken to her like that. I smile to myself. Her face is blurring in and out of focus. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.
I wish I could.
I feel like I'm falling. I feel like I'm flying. I feel like I'm weightless.
And then I'm in someone's arms. It's Isho-kun. He's caught me. When did I fall over? "Himoto!" He yells. Running toward us, Himoto opens the inhaler.
He's leaning over me now. I can't even focus on his face. "Here, Kashino, stay with us here. Don't give up. We need you."
He needs me? Is that what he said? No. He said we need you. They all need me. They need me. I feel the inhaler being placed between my lips, a puff of air. It sweeps down my throat and into my lungs and suddenly everything opens up. A huge gulp of air fills my lungs. It's so sudden, I cough. Isho-kun helps me stand up.
"Lynne-chan? Are you okay?" He asks concerned.
"I... I'm fine," I whisper finally. But I'm looking at Himoto. He's got that look in his eyes that I haven't quite matched to a feeling.
Isho-kun nods and goes to finish his cake. I look to the clock. There's only 30 minutes left. I feel the blood draining from my face. No way. We can't have wasted that much time.
Himoto looks into my eyes, "Don't worry about that." He says simply. Brushing past me, he whispers in my ear, "Thank god you're okay."
XxXxX
I have to get everything back under control. I have to. We need to win. I can't let down my parents, my brothers, my friends, my classmates. They're all counting on me. I don't want to let them down.
"Okay! Status report," I call to the sweet princes.
Isho-kun's cake is almost done. He's covering it in green fondant now. There's no time for the marzipan flower petals. We have to scrap the idea. He's just going to pipe the dark green icing vines.
Komanda-kun's cake is just out of the oven, there's no time to wait for it to cool. We just cover it in white fondant instead of navy blue royal icing. He's going to pipe the red plaid design now.
Himoto's cake is nowhere near done. The cake is still in the oven. Thankfully, he's already made the frosting, so hopefully we can get it on before the time limit. Then, he'll sprinkle chocolate shreds over the top. There's no time to make the caramel frosting.
Finally there's mine. Because Komanda-kun and Isho-kun helped me out with it, it's the most ready. All that's left is to ice it with whipped cream.
There's a sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach. It's over. It's all over. But then, Dad's words to me wander into my head, "I'll tell you this, no matter how hard will be, you should still try. I'll be rooting for you."
No matter how hard... I have to keep going. I have to. Dad's counting on me and I don't want to let him down.
XxXxX
We're all rushing to finish anything. We need something to serve to the judges. Anything at this point goes.
The clock withdraws a second with each painful moment. This is the most stressed I've ever been. It's as if the fluorescent flowers are spinning all around me, just blurs of colour.
As we struggle to put the complicated finishing touches on our cakes, Aunt Lemon yells out the words we've been dreading, "TIME'S UP!"
I feel horror-stricken. This is it. We're done in the competition. As Maya's team presents their idea, I'm not listening. It feels almost as if I'm going to pass out again.
Himoto does something that surprises me. He reaches over and squeezes my shoulder. The pressure of it makes me look at him, "Don't worry so much." He says, not taking his eyes off the judges, "It's going to be fine."
I feel something tingle in the pit of my stomach. His reassurance makes everything seem a little bit better.
"Team Lynne," Aunt Lemon announces, "Please show us your creation."
I can feel my heart hammering in my chest, but I step forward and begin speaking. "Well... We had a lot of complications this time," I murmur, not sure what else to say. I don't think they'll care if I didn't have my inhaler. It is a professional match after all.
"We are aware of that Kashino-san," One of the judges says, "And we will take that into account. But right now, please explain your idea."
My cheeks feel like they are burning with coals lit by the sun. "W-well, the idea we had for perseverance was that for me to be the leader takes perseverance on my part," I try to make myself sound smart, but it's not working now. I can't think properly and it's mortifying.
"Like now, she's having trouble explaining, but she has to because she's the leader."
Isho-kun...?
"That's right, but as a team we can get over it and persevere. Right Kashino-chan?"
I look behind me. Isho-kun and Komanda-kun are trying to help me. I find the gesture comforting.
"R-right!" I agree, nodding my head furiously.
"We help her because we forced her into the position," Himoto contributes finally, "But we can do anything as a team because we persevere through it. And so, that is why we made cakes to represent our team."
The judges make murmurs of agreement, or at least understanding. I'm not sure. I present each cake one by one.
"So the first cake is to represent Isho-kun," I say somewhat shyly. Looking at the green fondant and piped vines, I add, "We were going to add marzipan flower petals, but because of... reasons. We couldn't get that done."
The cake is cut and the judges sample. They chew and I feel my stomach twist into a knot. "It has good texture." One says finally.
"It's a very interesting idea to use a floral taste instead of something else," Another remarks, "How did you guys make that happen?"
"Well, my Uncle Hanabusa taught me a technique once," I stammer sheepishly, "If you mix syrup and rose water and dip each side of the cake in it, it gives it a good scent."
There is a murmur when I mention Uncle Hanabusa. Obviously, he's remembered too.
"I'm not too sure about the decorations," The judge on the far left says, "The vines look a little... shaky."
"I'm sorry," Isho-kun apologizes, "We were running out of time and I suppose my hand started shaking under pressure."
The judge pauses to ingest the information, "Alright then."
Next is Komanda-kun's cake. "This is cake is to represent Komanda-kun. We were supposed to use navy blue royal icing, but we didn't have time for the cake to cool enough. So we covered it in white fondant instead."
"I like the plaid design," One judge says, "And problem solving by using white fondant as a replacement is smart."
A flicker of hope lights up in my heart. They cut the cake and pass it out.
"This tastes... interesting." The judge in the middle tells us, her eyes crinkling, "What is it?"
"Green tea," Komanda-kun replies, "Is something wrong with it?"
The judge beside her answers, "Much too powerful. Tone it down next time."
I can feel Maya staring at me, burning holes into my neck. She's probably laughing on the inside. She's probably gloating on the inside. I'm not too sure how I feel about that. "My mistake," Komanda-kun says politely, "Thank you."
Himoto is next up. In the end, even though he was the furthest behind, his cake looks very presentable. The icing is smooth and the chocolate shreds almost look like feathers. "This is Himoto's cake," I continue on with my explanation, "We were going to use caramel frosting to glue on chocolate decorations, but we didn't have much time to."
"Understandable," One of them agrees.
They cut the cake and pass it out. I glance at Himoto. He's got determined plastered on his face. His jaw line stiff, like he's biting down on something. The gleam in his eye. He's proud of his work and he wants the judges to like it too.
Something inside of me wants them to like it too, because after all, Himoto is my friend. The cake is sampled and I find me, myself, holding my breath to hear what they have to say.
"Delectable," One exclaims excitedly.
"Smooth, very silky chocolate, that takes great technique."
"The bits add great contrast in both texture and taste."
"Decoration is simple and effective."
They seem to have a lot of good things to say. One thing they say negatively though, it gets to me. "There are worried feelings in your cake."
Worried? Could he have been worried about... me?
"We were very stressed," Himoto mumbles quietly. I look at him, trying to get him to look at me, but he doesn't. "I'm sorry if that ruins it for you."
The judges all nod. Was he really that worried about me? So worried it appeared in his cake? I'm not sure. But do I want that? Do I not? I can't decipher my own feelings on it.
"Kashino-san," One of the judges pulls me out of my trance, "Please explain the last cake to us."
"R-right," I stammer, caught off guard, "Mine was one we were able to finish." I look over the cake and feel proud. We worked as a team and were at least able to finish this cake. "My cake is vanilla with strawberry syrup in the center. We chose to do this because even though I may seem put together and clean, I still have everything inside of me melting down when it comes to being a leader. The cake is iced with whipped cream and fresh strawberries."
"It's a little plain for the center of attention," Says the judge on the right.
I stare at it again. Maybe... a little bit.
They cut the cake and the syrup spills over each slice like a coating. There is an 'ooh' from the audience, who have been strangely quietly up until now.
Each judge is given a piece. I feel like all eyes are on me as they chew. I'm getting nervous again. "It's amazing, don't worry," I hear Himoto's reassuring voice in my ear. It helps me relax a little. His fingertips brush against my wrist, "It's okay."
"Very spongy cake," The judge with red hair smiles, "Nice texture."
"The only thing is," Another adds, "There's not much of it. I think there's too much syrup. It makes it a little too slippery and sweet."
"I-I'm sorry," I stammer, my voice quaking, "I-if I could do it again I would..."
"Don't worry so much Kashino-san," One judge tells me, in an attempt to calm me down, "It's a good cake overall. Good job Team Lynne."
I almost fall back in relief. Thank goodness, that's over.
"The judges will now take a few minutes to discuss the scores for both teams. Good luck and well done to all of you," Aunt Lemon says. "You may sit at your stations."
We all go back and sit on the stools surrounding the table. "I'm sorry guys," I say finally. It's been a weight on me ever since the match was over, "It's my fault we fell so far behind. I'm sorry to have let you down."
"It's not your fault; I don't understand why you're apologizing." Himoto replies instantly, "It's that demon girl's fault. I don't want you apologizing for what you have no control over, okay?"
I laugh in spite of the situation, "Okay, okay." With a smile, I say, "You know she likes you right?"
Isho-kun and Komanda-kun crack up at this. I'm glad after all this, we're still all friends and no one is mad at each other. "I know that!" He exclaims, caught off guard, "Who could miss it?"
"No one," Isho-kun stifles a laugh, "That's why it's so hilarious."
"Agreed," Komanda-kun says. And then, we all burst into full on laughter.
I'm glad to have such an amazing team.
XxXxX
"The scores are in!" Aunt Lemon announces finally. The whole room goes silent.
Another judge stands, "This match was to be judged in 5 categories, 100 points able to be awarded for each for a total score of 500. The 5 categories are presentation, creativity, skill, difficulty and theme."
"First, Team Maya. Presentation: 85. Creativity: 85. Skill: 84. Difficulty: 86. Theme: 80." The numbers flash onto the screen, displaying in bright green. "Total score, 420."
There is a moment of hope in my stomach. The scores from our first round were a lot higher than that. Both our team and Team Katsumo. If we can get a score like that again, we'll be able to win. But then the cold remembrance of our unfinished creations sweeps over me. We could never get a score like last time for this.
"And Team Lynne," Aunt Lemon says smoothly, "Presentation: 81. Creativity: 86. Skill: 85. Difficulty: 85. Theme: 82."
I hold my breath. Please. Kami-sama, don't let this be the end for us.
Aunt Lemon hesitates, almost as if she's bearing bad news. "Total score, 419."
XxXxX
I feel like I'm moving through jello. Did she say... 419? We're one point... Behind?
The crowd gasps. It's a tight race. Extremely.
But... But...
My legs give out from under me. The sweet princes catch me. Maya's laugh flows into my ears and I'm instantly filled with rage. She played dirty. And it worked for her.
That's not fair.
I want to kick and scream but I can't. "Hey, hey, it's okay," Himoto tells me, shaking me lightly.
I didn't even realize, but tears of frustration are rushing to my eyes. My hands are squeezed tight into fists. I have to stay strong. But it's so hard. He reaches over and unfolds my hands, "Push the feelings away. You don't want to make a scene. It's okay."
I take a deep breath and bite on my lip. I will not cry. I will NOT.
I watch, with emptiness swallowing me as Team Maya comes up on the screen in lights, pronouncing them the winners. It's over.
It's all over.
I look at the judges, who look at me solemnly, as if they feel bad for us. "T-thank you for the opportunity." I whisper finally. "It's been an amazing experience... no matter how short it may have been."
The horrible feeling still lingers. I've let down everyone depending on me, everyone cheering on me, I've let down my parents who are already awaiting my victory. This can't be happening.
"Now wait one minute Miss."
Rubbing away oncoming tears, I look up. It's the chairman, standing beside Aunt Lemon with the microphone. "You're not done. Not yet."
"Not yet?" I repeat in awe.
"You may recall, but we are sending 4 middle school teams into the grand prix. As the matches turn out, we only have 3 victorious teams."
"Okay..." Isho-kun chimes in, "What does that mean for us?"
"There's one more match for you. Any team that lost in the second round gets the chance to compete against the other teams who have lost for the final spot into the grand prix." He says it so calmly. How? It's another chance!
I straighten up, "Really?"
"It's called the wild card round," He nods, "Now practise hard and do a good job. That's all I'd like to say."
He then walks away and out of the room. He's always been an odd one. Maya's face is screwed up in her sour, things have not gone my way, face. "She gets a second chance? Even though she lost?"
"Yes," Aunt Lemon comes to my defense, "I'm quite certain this match was a little... biased. Don't you think Maya?"
"W-well..." She stammers, not sure what she should say to protect herself.
"I'm sure she deserves another chance, don't you?"
Maya has nothing to say. I smile. Looking at my team mates, I laugh, relieved, "Come on guys. We've got practise to start!"
We have to win the wild card round. We just have to.
Thank you guys for putting up with me. I'm sorry for such a late and sucky chapter. I love you all to the moon and back.
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