Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Gaston & Marissa in Culinary Land

Chapter 1

The Toilet Cubicle Loser

Gaston was just an ordinary boy studying at his local school which was a twenty minute walk from his home, which was a beat up apartment in the lesser posh area of the city used for housing underprivileged and financially struggling households.

Gaston used to hate attending his school. He used to hate going with a passion in fact.

The primary reason being that Gaston was to be regularly bullied while he didn’t have any friends at his educational institute.

He tried fitting in with the rest of the students, but no one wanted to talk to him, sit with him during lunch period or even allow his presence during theirs.

He tried making friends, but nobody was interested in being friends with him to be honest.

Gaston was regularly picked on, jeered and called awful mean names such as ‘The Toilet Cubicle Loser’ or the ‘Toilet Flush Kid’ or ‘The Bathroom Loser’.

The primary reason for being called such offensive names was that Gaston came from a single parent household which was very poor. Gaston’s mother used to work as the cleaning lady in Gaston’s school along with another school in the nearby vicinity.

Gaston’s classmates and other students at his school were well aware of this fact.

As a result, he was jeered, mocked upon and made fun of on a daily basis.

All this made attending his student life on a daily basis miserable and downright challenging.

Gaston used to feel very hurt and sorry for himself as a result.

On one hand he would hate being embarrassed and jeered so much, but on the other hand he saw how much effort his mum had put into trying to put food on the table for them both. How much his mum cared for him to take care of him and provide him with whatever she could for him.

Chapter 2

The Broccoli stew

Gaston was very good natured and always sought to help out others, even though they would later go on to make fun of him.

He would often feel sorry for himself, but still try to help others whichever way he could.

He tried being helpful to others in his school, so as to try and make friends. However, the pupils in his school after using his services would just abandon him and later make fun of him.

He would walk alone back to his apartment since nobody else wanted to walk with him after school. Often at times, he would feel dejected and lonely amidst his circumstances. He also felt lonely sometimes because he did not have any siblings since it was just him and his mum.

The daily constant bullying only seemed to make matters worse since it would only add to his loneliness.

Upon reaching home, Gaston would always wait for his mum to come home after completing her shift at the other school. He would take off her coat upon her arrival, he would help out around the house, ask her how her day was and try to help out in whatever way he could to be honest.

He never complained to her about anything and would hide from her the cruel names he was regularly called, mainly because he would try to bring whatever ease and comfort he could to her life especially after knowing all the hard work she had put into raising him the best way she could.

Gaston helped his mum set the table every day in their kitchen and would later help her clean up everything afterwards as well.

“How was your day today dear?” she asked Gaston as they started their evening meal.

“Alright mum. How was yours?” replied Gaston.

“Alright too” she answered.

Gaston was fond of eating tasty foods and food in general. He was a real foodie and would enjoy gratefully whatever tasty treats he could get whenever rarely he had the chance.

Gaston stared at his supper bowl, which was mainly broccoli stew from top to bottom.

He sighed heavily.

It was not one of his favourite dishes to say the least. Nonetheless, he quietly ate it, did not fuss nor complain and upon completion of his meal, cleared the table and even volunteered to wash his own dishes.

His mother saw his behavior and sighed a breath of relief. She knew Gaston was not fond of what was in front of him, still he wouldn’t fuss and would act as a pillar of support for her. She considered herself very fortunate because of this trait in her son.

She knew he loved her dearly and would try to make her life as easy as possible by helping out or doing whatever he could for her. She knew that life was hard on both Gaston and herself and she knew that he was being extra nice to her always because she worked so hard for both of them.

She was aware of the horrible names being hurled at Gaston daily in his school because she was the cleaning lady of that particular school along with another one.

Still, she knew he never complained to her about anything and it was for which she considered herself to be very blessed in that regard.

After clearing up the table, Gaston and his mum had spent some time together, discussing their days and what lay ahead for them.

Gaston tried being a pillar of support for his mum, by doing whatever he possibly could, but by far the biggest area that needed reshaping was their financial position as Gaston who was still not an adult wished to make matters better for himself and his mum as urgently as he possibly could. Not just because of the constant bullying he endured at the hands of those in his surroundings, but mostly to give his mum the quality of life she so rightly deserved after working so hard to try and raise Gaston.

He lay on his bed thinking what he could possibly do to ease his mum’s burden and finally give her the life she deserves since they were barely making ends meet as it was. He wondered to himself if there was ever going to be light at the end of the tunnel for himself and his mum. If circumstances could ever change in their favour. He lay thinking long and hard before eventually falling asleep that evening.

Little did Gaston know that the following day at school, his life would be forever changed….

Chapter 3

The New Girl

Gaston woke up the next morning, dressed himself up, ate breakfast and then made his way to his school with his mum. They walked to Gaston’s school together daily because Gaston’s mum’s first shift was at his school and the next was at the other nearby school in the nearby vicinity.

As soon as Gaston entered school, he would face the strange faces people would make at him and the pin pointing towards him for being the son of the cleaning lady at his school.

His mum was well aware of this and so chose to part ways with Gaston as soon as they would enter his school for she didn’t want her son to face further embarrassment in front of her at least.

“Now you be good now and please work hard in all your classes. Have a good day.” She said waving him goodbye as Gaston was heading for his first class of the day.

“Will do and you too.” Replied Gaston as he headed for his class.

As soon as Gaston entered his classroom, he was met with a flurry of mean names being hurled towards him by all the other pupils present alongside him in the classroom.

Gaston turned his head, looked the other way and sat himself down on his seat.

Gaston would regularly seat himself at the very back end of his classroom often in a far left corner to distance himself as far away from his mean classmates as possible so he could at least study in peace and tranquility.

He sat still waiting for his teacher Mr Woodward to arrive.

Shortly, Mr Woodward entered the classroom, but he didn’t enter alone. He arrived with a new student along with him.

“Good morning class, a very good day to all of you. I’d like to introduce you all to a new student here in our classroom. Her name is Marissa Williams and she’ll be attending classes with you all as of today.

Gaston gazed at her and from first glance, he couldn’t believe his eyes.

Marissa was a tall blonde blue eyed girl and by far the prettiest his eyes had ever gazed upon.

As soon as Gaston gazed upon her, he felt a strong sensation of sorts. Something which he had never quite experienced before.

He gulped as he tried catching his breath and he tried not to stare at Marissa, only it was so difficult for him not to.

He had never seen a prettier girl in his life to begin with.

He felt as if cupid’s arrow had struck him and struck him hard!

“Now class, I want you all to make Marissa feel right at home here. Also I want you to help her in fitting in alongside the rest of you. Now Marissa, please take your seat.” continued Mr Woodward.

Marissa walked around the classroom looking for a seat to begin her day.

“Marissa, all the seats are occupied except for the one next to that pupil Gaston Smith on the far left corner of the classroom. Why don’t you take your seat there.” Instructed Mr Woodward.

Gaston could hardly believe his luck! The prettiest girl he ever laid eyes upon was going to sit right next to him in the classroom on her first ever day at his school.

The rest of the pupils in the classroom immediately burst into laughter after witnessing the new girl having to seat herself next to the laughing stock of the whole school whom everyone regularly mocked and made fun of daily.

“Why is everyone suddenly laughing so hard?” inquired Marissa.

“Never mind, I’ll explain later. Right now, just please seat yourself down.” answered Gaston.

“Alright.” replied Marissa.

Gaston was very happy throughout that classroom period, he tried to look away from Marissa, but to no avail. She was just too pretty for him not to have an instant crush on.

He was hoping she would ask him for some help related to the coursework and something related to his school, but apparently she seemed to know her way around things.

Soon enough the class period was over with. Once class ended and Mr Woodward had exited the classroom, A tall chubby pupil by the name Butch Jones got up from his seat and hurled at the top of his voice: “ Hey, look where the new girl had to begin her day from….right next to the toilet cubicle Loserrr!!! Hahahahaha Maybe next she’ll get a tutorial from him on how to scrub toilets for a living!! HAHAHAAHA.”

The rest of the class joined Butch and laughed vehemently at Gaston.

Gaston’s cheeks turned red with embarrassment and he tried to exit the class immediately.

“Wait, why are they saying that to you and where are you going?” asked Marissa inquisitively.

“Long story, I’ll explain later. If you wish to find out, please meet me outside in the main hallway right now, just before our next class.” answered Gaston.

“Alright, I’m curious to know.” replied Marissa as she followed Gaston outside of the classroom and onto the main hallway amid the frenzy of pupils pointing, mocking and hurling offensive names at Gaston.

As soon as they reached the main hallway, and were just beside the principal’s office, both Gaston Smith and Marissa Williams introduced themselves to each other, with Gaston going first.

Gaston explained in full detail his humble background and where he came from and what life was like for him. The fact that his mum was the cleaning lady of the school for the first half of the day and that’s why he was picked upon regularly as well as called those mean and nasty names on a daily basis.

“Oh” replied Marissa upon hearing Gaston’s side of the tracks.

Then it was Marissa’s turn to introduce herself to Gaston.

“You see Gaston, I hail from Paris, France and I’m basically an exchange student. I have my house, family and my whole life back in Paris only. I’m only here for a short time at this school because my mum and dad have gone on an extended business trip to Russia because my dad is a big oil businessman and he wished to discuss terms with Russian businessmen for future prospects. I came here so that I wouldn’t feel lonely at home all by myself and because I always wanted to see London first hand since I always wanted to come here. I live in a well-kept apartment in Central London with the staff that takes care of me. My father arranged for everything during my stay here. So I’m only here for a little while, then I’m going to head back to Paris.”

“You don’t say.” said Gaston.

“Yes, and the main reason why I joined this school was so that my education wouldn’t get disrupted, I could see London and not sacrifice on my education while my parents are gone for their lengthy business trip.” concluded Marissa.

“Well that’s fantastic for you.” remarked Gaston.

Marissa went on “Hey you know what, since you’re like the first friend I made here at this school MK High, why don’t I invite you over to my place for a meal as soon as we get done with our day today? We’ll join up outside as soon as we get done with our final class period, and then we’ll head over to my place for a meal as well as a friendly get together.”

“That sounds great! I’d love that. Would finally be nice to interact with someone who doesn’t call me mean names. I’ll inform my mum right now and then I’ll join you outside after the final class period.” replied Gaston accepting Marissa’s offer.

“Great, then it’s settled. See you later then.” said Marissa waving off to Gaston as she headed for her next class.

Gaston quickly went and informed his mum that he would not be coming home directly from school that day and that he made a real friend that day.

“Why how lovely. Be on your best behavior Gaston and remember, make as good an impression as you can.” said Gaston’s mum.

“ I will mum, and I’ll see you at night tonight.” said Gaston excitedly as he waved goodbye to her before heading for his next class himself.

Gaston could hardly believe his luck! The prettiest girl he had ever laid eyes upon was actually his first and only friend at MK High and not only that, but she had actually invited him over for a meal at her residence.

Gaston could hardly contain his excitement as he sat down in all of his classes that day, but his mind was diverted towards one area of interest alone.

That day when he was hurled the mean names at him like any other day seemed to make no difference to Gaston, for he was in another worldly state that day.

Chapter 4

Marissa’s residence

Right after school ended, Gaston and Marissa met outside and proceeded towards Marissa’s residence.

Gaston was eager to leave and proceed to Marissa’s before he would soon be bombarded with nasty names by passersby.

“Well, aren’t we going to proceed already?” asked Gaston wanting to get a move on.

“Just a few more minutes, my car and my chauffeur Harry should be here any second now?” answered Marissa coolly.

“Chauffeur….Car…?” said Gaston in astonishment.

Just then a Brand new Black Lexus came forth and stopped right where they were standing.

Soon a tall well-dressed from head to toe chauffeur popped out from the drivers seat and quickly opened the door for Marissa. “Right this way miss.” he said while opening the doors of the car for her.

“Well, let’s hop in.” initiated Marissa stepping inside the well maintained posh vehicle that had just come to pick them up.

Gaston looked in awe and wonder as soon as he stepped inside. He had never sat inside such a posh vehicle before.

“I hope you had a good day today miss?” asked Harry the chauffeur.

“Oh I did, thank you Harry.” replied Marissa.

“Is this a friend of yours? Does he need to be dropped off somewhere?” inquired Harry.

“No, no he’s just a friend. He’ll be joining me for a meal over at my residence. Please take us there quickly so we can proceed with our day planned.” answered Marissa.

“Right, on we go.” Confirmed Harry the chauffeur.

And just like that the car zoomed past MK High. Some of the students who actually saw Gaston entering such a car were left in utter shock and amazement. How did the Toilet Cubicle Loser land himself in the back seat of such a gorgeous car? They wondered.

Gaston could hardly believe what was happening to him in such a short time span. Just this morning, he was hurled those nasty names and right now he was zooming past London in the best car he had ever sat on and alongside the prettiest girl he had ever met in his life.

Soon, when they reached Central London, a very posh district of London city; they arrived at a posh locality with large spacious apartments that had multiple bedrooms in them.

The car stopped and Harry the chauffeur like before immediately rushed to open the door for Marissa and Gaston.

“Have a good day you two.” said Harry smiling.

“Thanks and you too.” said Marissa leading the way for herself and Gaston both.

They walked a few steps and then came across a well-polished wooden door. Right next to the door was a small door bell.

Marissa rang the door bell and within seconds the door was opened by a tall, round, plump individual wearing an apron and a chef’s hat.

“Hello there, how was your day? You’ve decided to bring a friend along with you today I see.” said the individual who opened the door.

“Yes Jason, I brought a friend with me for a meal at home today. Jason, this is Gaston. Gaston, this is Jason. He’s my chef and caretaker at this apartment I’m staying at for the time being.” announced Marissa introducing the two.

“Hi there.” said both Gaston and Jason at the same time before shaking hands with each other.

“He’s a guest and he’s come over for the first time so please whip up something extra special for today’s meal.” instructed Marissa.

“I’ll get right to it.” announced Jason heading for the kitchen.

“Now Gaston, let me show you around the place.” said Marissa showing Gaston around her swanky well maintained apartment.

Gaston looked around in awe and wonder at how exquisite and posh everything looked.

It was a four bedroom apartment Marissa lived in and was furnished from beginning to end with the latest sate of the art furniture and amenities necessitated for luxury living of the highest order.

When Marissa showed her own bedroom, Gaston couldn’t help but look in awe at how beautiful the bedroom truly was. It looked like a perfect girl’s room with everything Marissa could possibly ask for.

All the furniture around the apartment was very up to date and posh. Gaston couldn’t help but continue looking in awe at everything especially considering the state of his own tiny residential apartment where he grew up living.

Marissa could tell by Gaston’s expressions that he was indeed very impressed by her standard of living.

As soon as Marissa was done giving Gaston the tour of her residence, they sat down on one of the big comfy black sofa’s in the living room and chatted for a bit getting to know each other further.

They each told each other about themselves.

Gaston told her about his upbringing and how hard life was on himself and his mother and how much his mother sacrificed to raise him as well as she could to the best of her powers.

How he struggled in school amid the harsh and cruel names lashed upon him on a daily basis. How he hoped to make everything right in the long term and provide his mum with the best life he could possibly give her by bringing constant improvement in himself and his life in whatever way he could.

He wanted to do everything he could to try and make something out of himself someday.

Marissa felt very pleased to know that Gaston was doing everything he possibly could to try and make something out of himself and how he truly loved and cared for his mother and provide her with the best life possible given his circumstances and humble backgrounds. She found it to be a very admiral trait in him.

Marissa on the other hand hailed from an extremely high end and upper crust background where her parents were super posh people and came from an ultra-wealthy background. Every summer she would go traveling with her parents to a different place each time. She had traveled to Italy, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Morocco, Australia, Netherlands, Portugal, Austria, Canada and Maldives.

Gaston was so impressed after finding out the number of countries Marissa had traveled to.

Marissa’s house in Paris was apparently also in a very posh area alongside being humongous with lots of bedrooms and all the facilities one could ask for.

She said that she always wanted to see London but never got the chance and since her parents were gone for a long time, she decided to be part of an exchange program and finally live for a bit and study in London, England while exploring the city during her free time. Her father had also taken care so as to assure that she was well taken care of during her stay and had people at her beck and call whenever she needed anything.

Marissa said “ I’m very proud of you Gaston for the way you take everything so bravely. The mean names hurled at you every day, alongside being the only support to your mother. You really are a brave, strong soul and your mother is very fortunate to have you as her son!”

“Thanks Marissa, I really do try my level best to be the best person I possibly can alongside helping out around the house however I can.” replied Gaston.

Just then, Jason the chef called out “Please come to the dining table and help yourselves.”

“Come on Gaston, let’s go.” said Marissa leading the way.

They entered the dining room.

The dining room was spacious and very well furnished. The dining room table was long in size and had a very elegant white and purple table cloth spread over it.

The spread which was laid for them was done so on exquisite and elegant cutlery.

Jason had prepared hot and sour shrimp soup along with mozzarella chicken and cheese strips for appetizers. Then came the main course which consisted of chicken ala kiev, beef rib eye steak with mashed potatoes and grilled red snapper served with vegetables. There was homemade fresh orange juice alongside fresh apple juice. For dessert there was chocolate mousse along with vanilla ice cream.

“Thanks Jason, we’ll take it from here.” Instructed Marissa seating herself next to Gaston on the dining table.

Gaston couldn’t help but look in awe as his mouth started watering after looking at all the tasty treats that lay in front of him. He was a real foodie and enjoyed eating fine foods. He quickly seated himself next to Marissa and helped himself to the delicious soup and Mozarella sticks in front of him.

It had been a long while since Gaston ever had a meal so tasty set in front of him before.

“That’s quite the spread there Marissa!” acknowledged Gaston.

“Enjoy yourself.” replied Marissa smiling sweetly.

Marissa smiled sweetly at Gaston as she saw him so fondly appreciating and eating the food that lay in front of him. She felt that she had done her good deed for the day by inviting over an underprivileged but sweet at heart individual who truly was grateful for her kindness and hospitality.

As soon as Gaston and Marissa had finished their dessert and gotten done with their meal, Marissa took notice of all of the dishes that were laid out for them.

Everything was wiped out spotless. It seemed as though Gaston had managed to finish off everything in front of him since it was all so tasty.

As the two were wiping their faces with handkerchiefs, Marissa said “Wow, looks like someone enjoyed their meal today!”

“You bet! Thank you so much Marissa for inviting me over! I can’t believe the last time I ate a meal this exquisite and tasty before!” exclaimed Gaston thanking Marissa for her hospitality.

“You’re most welcome.” said Marissa smiling sweetly.

Jason the chef then entered the dining room to clear the table.

“I hope everything was satisfactory?” asked Jason.

“Oh it was, thank you so much.” replied Marissa.

“It really was and you’re a terrific chef and it was a world class meal! Thank you so much!” added Gaston smacking his lips.

“I’m glad you enjoyed, now please step into the lounge so that I may clear the table.” said Jason with a genuine smile across his face.

Gaston and Marissa left for the lounge where they seated themselves onto one of the spacious and comfortable brown leather sofas where they continued to get to know one another.

It was evident that Marissa hailed from an extremely well off persona while Gaston contrastingly hailed from an extremely humble background.

The two however enjoyed each other’s company.

“You’re such a good natured, well-mannered sweet person, I don’t know why everyone makes fun of you at school?” said Marissa.

“Yeah well, they never gave me a proper chance to get to know me at least instead of mocking me outright because of my circumstances.” explained Gaston

“Well, whenever you wish to talk to somebody or need a place to hang out or have a meal, you know where to go.” offered Marissa

“Thanks Marissa, I really appreciate that.” replied Gaston graciously.

Gaston hung around for an hour longer with Marissa before he saw the grandfather clock in the lounge and jumped from his seat exclaiming “Oh jeez! I had no idea I spent so much time here! Mum will be worried if I don’t show up at home soon. Besides, it’s a long way back home for me considering where I live.”

“Oh no problem…Harry will drop you home in a jiffy.” offered Marissa.

“Wow, that would be real swell.” accepted Gaston graciously.

After a few minutes, Marissa had instructed her chauffeur Harry to drop Gaston off at his residence in her car.

“Well, I hope you had a good time. See you tomorrow in school.” said Marissa seeing off Gaston.

“I did and thank you so much Marissa for all your hospitality.” replied Gaston while getting into the black car.

“Oh and Gaston just one more thing.” said Marissa all of a sudden.

“Yes” inquired Gaston.

Just then Jason the caretaker came with a basket of cupcakes, muffins and pastries.

Marissa took them from his hand and handed them over to Gaston just as he had sat down in the car.

“Here Gaston! For you and your mum. I hope you like them. They’re Gaston’s homemade baked goodies.” instructed Marissa

“Aww Marissa you shouldn’t have!” thanked Gaston gratefully accepting from Marissa’s hand.

“Oh don’t be silly! Just enjoy with your mum and tell her I said hi. Now bye and see you tomorrow.” said Marissa waving goodbye to Gaston.

“Thanks so much for everything and see you tomorrow as well. Bye Marissa.” said Gaston waving goodbye to her as he sped off in the black car with Harry taking him home as quickly as he could.

Gaston could hardly believe how quickly Harry had brought him to his residence. If Gaston had gone home on his own, it would have taken him ages from Marissa’s residence.

“Thanks Harry and take care of yourself.” said Gaston waving goodbye to Harry.

“No problem Sir, you take care as well.” replied Harry smiling while waving as he drove himself back to Marissa’s residence.

Gaston entered his humble abode and announced: “Ma I’m home and I brought you something with me. My friend Marissa sent it over actually.”

“Oh that’s nice dear, what is it?” asked Gaston’s mum.

“Here, take a look.” answered Gaston handing over the basket in to her hands.

“Oh wow! What a beautiful basket and what a delectable assortment of goodies in it!” she exclaimed as she could hardly believe what she was holding in her hands.

“Well, let’s dive right into them already!” suggested Gaston smacking his lips.

Gaston and his mum dove right into the basket and enjoyed every morsel there was in it.

“It’s been such a while since I’ve last had any baked goods so tasty before. Be thankful to Marissa tomorrow and tell her that you and I loved everything I the basket and for all her generosity.” insisted Gaston’s mum Katherine.

“Don’t worry Ma, I will.” replied Gaston.

“Well sweetie, it’s gotten pretty late now, why don’t you hurry yourself off to bed. You don’t want to be late for school tomorrow.” instructed Gaston’s mum Katherine.

“Sure thing… see you tomorrow morning. Bye Ma.”

“Bye Gaston.”

That night as Gaston lay on his bed, he kept on thinking several things in his head.

He could hardly believe his luck that he finally made a real and genuine friend at the same school where they lashed rotten names at him every day. Then he was invited over for a meal over at such a swanky residence where he enjoyed the best meal of his life.

Then of course there was the Marissa Williams factor. Marissa, Gaston thought was the most beautiful girl he had ever laid eyes upon. What gave her residence an even more incredible breath of fresh air was the fact that Marissa lived there. Gaston could hardly believe how good natured, sweet and kind Marissa was and how she didn’t look down upon him like everybody else and actually offered her friendship to Gaston.