The next day and phase two of the competition flew by for the pie makers. Both Olive and Ned completed their two pies for tasting with complete confidence that the judges would love them. Because really? Who didn't love a fresh Pie Hole pie?

That night they both sat on the floor sharing a pizza they had bought from another competitor, Anthony. Anthony, Olive and Ned had met at the judge's table earlier that day, his restaurant was called Pizza 3.14159 which olive found adorably creative. And the pizza that she was now sharing with Ned, was absolutely delicious.

"I didn't know you were a pizza kinda guy Ned?" olive said as she took a bite of a slice of pepperoni.

"Well, it is a type of pi." He said laughing, as he gestured to the 3.14159 on the pizza box.

"true, Ned, true." She laughed along with Ned for a moment, the stopped suddenly when there was a nock on the door. "ooh the letter is here! I'll get it!"

When she returned she sat down on the floor again next to Ned and handed him the letter.

"Read it!" she commanded playfully.

Ned read the first sentence aloud.

"Congratulations, The Pie Hole had been selected to move on to the final round of the cook off."

Olive jumped up, "Lets celebrate!" she said, and turned towards the bedroom.

A moment later she returned with a bottle of champagne and two glasses.

"Really Olive? Why did you even bring that?" Ned asked, not expecting what she had brought at all.

"Well I was going to save it for when we win, but I bet there will be even nicer champagne at the party later."

"What did I tell you about counting your chickens Olive?" Ned asked looking up at her from his sitting position from the floor.

"Well, we're not making chicken Ned, we're making pies. Now come here and help me open this!"

***

After a wonderful night of pizza and champagne Ned and Olive fell asleep together on the sofa where they spent the night.

Olive woke first the next morning and sat up from her position on Ned's stomach. Sleeping on the sofa was probably not the best idea she realized as she stretched her ridiculously stiff back.

"Good morning…" Ned mumbled from behind her as he too sat up and stretched.

Olive responded with a pained moan as she stood with great effort from the couch.

"I'm going to go get ready." She said as she turned towards the hall.

"Alright, me too." Ned sighed also standing up. "meet you down in the kitchen?"

"Yeah, see you in a bit!" Olive spoke from the bedroom, as she closed the door.

An hour later Ned stood alone in the kitchen holding another envelope, this one with the day's challenge in it. He wished Olive would arrive soon, he felt left behind not being able to open the envelope without her.

Eventually she made her entrance in her cute green and orange Pie Hole outfit.

"Hey you've managed to get ready in under two hours!" Ned said as she walked into the kitchen.

She smacked his arm playfully and grabbed an apron from the counter.

"ooh! Is that the challenge? Lemme see it!"

"I didn't open it yet, I thought I should wait… you wanna open it?"

"no you open it! Read it to me!" Olive said hopping up onto the counter next to Ned.

"Alright fine… ' The Final round of the Cook Off will be a challenge round, all teams will receive a challenge. At the bottom of this Letter will be a must-use ingredient, this ingredient must be incorporated into your specialty dish, before six o'clock tonight. The judges will deliberate until eight o'clock when all contestants will be asked to return to the judge's hall for a formal banquet where the winners will be announced.

And now, your must-use ingredient:

Gooseberries"

"Do you know what those are? I mean I've heard of them, but never seen them." Olive asked

"Do I know what they are? Of course I do. I've just never cooked with them."

"At least it's a fruit, and not something really, really hard to use."

"Yeah I guess…" Ned's voice trailed off as there was a knock on the door. He went to the door and came back with a crate filled with small dark red fruits.