Chapter 2: Chapter 2

He was well aware that Marissa was way out of his league as they hailed from two very contrasting backgrounds. Still, he couldn’t help but dream of a lifetime with her or at least allow himself to live in and enjoy his present state at least. Enjoy the time spent with her and live in the present moment of things.

After a very long time, Gaston slept very peacefully and happy that night.

The next morning, Gaston woke up more cheerfully than usual.

“Good morning Ma.” Gaston announced with a smiling face when he entered the kitchen to have breakfast with his mum.

“Looks like someone is eager to go and attend school today for once!” said Gaston’s mum Katherine whilst noticing the evident change in his behavior.

Gaston was already dressed from head to toe and eagerly sat himself down at the kitchen table.

“You bet Ma! I’m all ready to go to school and enjoy my day there!” exclaimed Gaston as he started scarfing down his breakfast in excitement.

“Well, as soon as you get done with your breakfast, we’ll get a move on.” said mum with a smile.

As soon as Gaston finished his breakfast, he and his mum left off for Gaston’s school.

Gaston had a smile across his face throughout the tenure whilst reaching MK High.

As soon as he had reached and he and mum went their separate ways, Gaston was again hurled with insults and offensive names.

However this time those mean names didn’t seem to bother him and he continued sporting the big smile across his face. It left many bystanders wondering as to how and why their name calling seemed to have zero effect on him this time around. Why he just continued on his path with the same humbug smile across his face. They wondered.

Gaston entered his first classroom of the day and to his pleasant surprise, he found Marissa already there waiting on the seat next to his.

As soon as he saw her, again his heartbeat raced a mile a minute.

He quickly pulled himself together, sat next to her and said “Hi Marissa, pleasure seeing you here so early. Mum said thanks for all the goodies you sent over yesterday. She and I really enjoyed wolfing them down and it really meant a lot to both of us that you showed so much kindness and hospitality yesterday.”

Marissa replied “Heyyy…oh it was no biggie, I’m just glad you and mum enjoyed them so much. I’ll definitely be sure to continue sending over stuff like that since you both enjoyed them so much. It was really nice having you over as well….I get really lonely sometimes living on my own you know.”

“Marissa you are too kind! Thanks for all your hospitality the other day, I had a really nice time with you. Besides, I’m really into fine food so I really enjoyed myself the other day.” said Gaston smiling.

Just then Mr Woodward their teacher entered class.

“Good morning class, please take out your notebooks.” Mr Woodward announced.

Marissa quickly whispered to Gaston in his ear “Listen, please meet me after class I have something really important to discuss with you. It could really be beneficial for you and your mum if it follows through.”

“Okay, you tell me after class, I’ll eagerly listen.” whispered Gaston into Marissa’s ear before Mr Woodward told them to stop talking to each other and focus on his lecture.

Gaston wondered throughout the duration of class as to what Marissa possibly had to tell him that was so important.

Chapter 5

The Opportunity of a lifetime

As soon as class ended, Gaston along with Marissa immediately stepped outside the classroom and proceeded towards the main hallway.

“Hey Gaston, remember what I wanted to talk to you about?”

“Yeah Marissa, go on.”

“Jason my chef spoke to me the other day after you went back home. He said that since you were particularly fond of his cooking and since you displayed such a great intent in eating fine gourmet foods…… Jason was offering to teach you how to cook gourmet delicacies in the kitchen; if you wanted to be his apprentice of sorts. That is if you’re interested and all.”

“Wow! You bet Marissa!! That would be a fantastic oppourtunity, I am so in!!:

“Great, just inform your mum and we can get started tomorrow. Every single day after school five days a week you can come home with me after we get done sight-seeing around London for a bit and learn how to become a gourmet chef with Jason’s expertise.”

“That sounds perfect! I am so looking forward to tomorrow onwards.”

“Great, let’s get to our next class and we’ll talk things out further later in the day and get started tomorrow.”

“That sounds swell, can’t wait till tomorrow.”

Gaston could hardly believe his luck, he could now finally spend more time with Marissa, hang out longer at her temporary home in London and finally get to learn and eat gourmet foods for the foreseeable future.

He could hardly believe how his luck was suddenly changing ever since Marissa transferred to his school.

Chapter 6 The Apprenticeship

The following day couldn’t come soon enough for Gaston who faced so much difficulty sleeping that night.

He couldn’t stop thinking of the oppourtunity that lay in front of him the following day.

The following day, Gaston was well awake and ready for breakfast that morning.

“Excited for today?” asked mum.

“You bet Ma!” replied Gaston cheerfully as he sat himself down on the breakfast table.

Gaston quickly ate the scrambled eggs and drank the milk that his mum left for him on his breakfast table.

“Come on Ma, let’s get a move on to school!” exclaimed Gaston trying to get a move on after quickly finishing his breakfast.

“I’m hurrying up dear, just finishing my cup of tea. This is a good change to finally see you looking forward to school. I’m glad that Marissa girl has finally got you starting to look forward to school.”

“You could say that to an extent.” admitted Gaston with his cheeks blushing in the process.

Mum smiled.

The two set off for MK High.

Gaston made his way to class.

Marissa entered and sat next to Gaston.

“Hey Gaston.”

“Hi Marissa.”

“So I thought that after school we first visit Buckingham Palace, the London eye and then make our way to my residence so that we work up an appetite first.”

“Sure thing, sounds like a great plan to me.”

“Oh and you’d better get the cooking part right because what you’ll be learning to prepare is also what you and I will be having for our meal. Jason made that very clear since it was one way to reduce errors and blunders of all sorts by clearly stating that what you cook you will eat!”

Gaston paused for a moment then said “ Haha sure thing and definitely looking forward to it.”

Mr Woodward entered the classroom and began conducting class.

As soon as that school day ended, Gaston and Marissa made their way outside where Harry was waiting for them.

He opened the back door as he saw them approaching towards the black car.

“Good afternoon miss….Good day Sir.” said Harry greeting them as they got into the back seat of the vehicle.

“Good day to you too.” replied both Gaston and Marissa at the same time.

“Where should we be heading right now?” asked Harry.

“First a quick tour of Buckingham Palace and then a quick tour of the London eye and then towards my place.” answered Marissa.

“Alright.” conformed Harry.

Marissa and Gaston went for a tour of Buckingham Palace and then a quick tour of the London eye where they went for a quick ride and saw the marvelous city of London in all its charm and grandeur.

“Wow you really enjoy sightseeing Marissa.” noted Gaston.

“You bet! Sightseeing is one of my favourite things to do whenever I go and visit a new place or wherever I go traveling. I’m really, really into traveling!!” exclaimed Marissa with a gleeful expression.

Gaston smiled upon seeing her expression. He never quite visited or saw the city or noticed all its grandeur before because his mind was always too engrossed with the hurtful bullying lashed out upon him daily at school as well as the constant financial struggles his mum and him were going through daily.

He felt it a nice change to feel like a tourist in his own city after being blessed with a new kind, caring and compassionate friend.

Soon enough they headed towards Marissa’s residence.

“Jason I’m home, and I brought Gaston with me. Let’s get a move on shall we.” announced Marissa.

“Certainly Miss… Now young Gaston, please make your way to the kitchen where you’ll be my apprentice for the next couple of weeks.” instructed Jason

“Sure thing Sir.” affirmed Gaston.

Chapter 7 The First Meal

Gaston, Marissa and Jason made their way to the spacious kitchen.

“Alright, let’s start today’s lesson with preparing Crispy, creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu.” announced Jason.

“Right.” agreed Gaston.

On the table next to the stove, oven and burners were a host of chicken filets, vegetables, butters, cheeses and other high end edible grocery items to choose from.

Gaston had never seen so many high end posh grocery items before in someone’s residence before, mainly because he himself was used to having such basic and ordinary cuisine at his home.

As soon as they were about to start, Jason made one final announcement: “Oh and master Gaston remember one very important detail…. Whatever the outcome of today’s meal is, you and Marissa will both have to eat it no matter what!”

“Understood loud and clear Sir!” nodded Gaston.

Jason handed over an apron to Gaston to wear while he would take his first cooking lesson. Jason put an apron of his own on himself. He then gave Gaston a big white swanky chef’s hat before putting one on his own head.

Marissa chuckled as she was seeing everything that was going on in her kitchen.

“After we prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu, and we have put it for heating, we will then go on and start preparations for dessert afterwards.” announced Jason.

“Right Sir.” nodded Gaston.

Jason laid out the recipe in front of Gaston and made him read it out loud.

Gaston read out “Preparation

Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, tossing to coat evenly.

On a cutting board, place a chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound until about ½ inch (1 cm) thick with a meat mallet, rolling pin, or heavy pan.

Remove the plastic wrap and place 2 slices of Swiss cheese, then 2 slices of ham, then another layer of Swiss cheese, and another layer of ham. Evenly roll the chicken and place onto a new sheet of plastic wrap.

Wrap the chicken in the plastic wrap tightly and use the excess plastic on the sides to twist, firming up the roll of chicken cordon bleu as you work. Tie the excess plastic. Repeat with the remaining ingredients, then chill the rolls in the fridge to set for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat a tall-sided pan with 2 inches (5 cm) of oil to 325°F (170°C).

After the rolls are set, prepare 2 separate large, wide dishes with the flour, beaten egg, and bread crumbs. Dredge the chicken first in the flour, then the egg, and then bread crumbs.

Place the breaded chicken cordon bleu in the oil and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until the outside is an even golden brown. If a good color is achieved and the chicken’s center is still not 165°F (75°C), place the chicken cordon bleu on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and finish the chicken in the oven at 325°F (170°C) until that temperature is reached.

Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. In a 1 ½-quart saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook the garlic until soft. Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute.

Add the milk and whisk until fully combined with the roux and no lumps remain. Continue whisking until the mixture comes to a simmer and has thickened.

Add the mustard, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper and whisk to combine. Remove the pan from the heat.

Slice the chicken and serve drizzled with Dijon sauce.

Lastly, Enjoy!”

“Wow, that’s a lot to remember Sir!” acknowledged Gaston feeling overwhelmed all of a sudden.

“Nonsense! You’ll get the hang of it. As soon as we put it for baking, we’ll get started on the chocolate mousse. Now get started because while I’ll be teaching you how to cook, I will be preparing my own food while you’ll be preparing yours and Marissa’s meal.” announced Jason instructing Gaston to keep his nerves and not get nervous.

However, Gaston now felt even more nervous than ever before now because while Jason would save himself by cooking for himself, Gaston would have to prepare for both himself and Marissa. He had to make a long lasting positive impression on Marissa and had to repay Marissa’s faith in him. He knew that he could not screw up at any cost whatsoever.

He had to pull himself together, put on a brave face and prepare the best meal possible for himself and Marissa. More for Marissa than for himself.

Gaston started nervously chopping down the chicken filets as per Jason’s instructions.

Jason was showing Gaston how everything was to be done since Gaston was to observe and imitate whatever Jason was doing.

Gaston would regularly be wiping the sweat off his forehead due to sheer nervousness. Everything had to be perfect and Gaston could not risk failure.

Marissa would notice Gaston’s nervousness through his evident facial expressions.

“Good, you’ve done a good job of chopping the meat. Now get started with sprinkling it on with dressings and other ingredients.” instructed Jason.

Gaston closely observed Jason and continued to do the same with inch perfect precision and accuracy.

Soon enough after all the steps were undertaken, the dish was put to be heated and baked.

“Now let’s get started on the chocolate mousse.” announced Jason.

“Okay.” agreed Gaston.

Gaston and Marissa lay in wait for Jason to lay out a host of grocery items for the preparation for chocolate mousse.

Soon enough Jason had put forward a whole lot of exquisite items for the preparation of chocolate mousse.

Jason then made Gaston read out loud the recipe next to the ingredients that lay in front of them.

“To begin, place the butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Break the chocolate into small pieces directly into the bowl (no need to chop it first and dirty a cutting board). Microwave it in 20-second intervals, stirring between each bout of heat, until the chocolate is about 75% melted. Stir, allowing the residual heat in the bowl to melt the chocolate completely. This prevents the chocolate from scorching.

(Alternatively, place the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl and place over a saucepan containing about 1 inch of barely simmering water. Stir with a wooden spoon until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.)”

“Very good, now let’s get started.” announced Jason.

Gaston took a big gulp as he starting breaking the chocolate, started putting in the cocoa powder, started churning and mixing his and Marissa’s share in their separate bowl.

He knew that he had to get this right, there was no way that the dessert could end in disaster since he knew that Marissa had a sweet tooth and that he had to make sure that she enjoyed it.

He mixed everything in the bowl from the eggs to the cocoa powder to the chocolate to everything else as perfectly as he could.

Marissa took notice and saw how hard he was working. She knew that he was doing his level best to impress her. She could see through Gaston’s facial expressions.

As soon as everything was complete, blended, baked and put whipped cream upon as per Jason’s instructions, Gaston was instructed to put it in the fridge to cool it so they could consume it after their Chicken Cordon Bleu.

“Phew, that was a lot of hard work! I had no idea cooking could be so strenuous, time consuming and exhausting!!” exclaimed Gaston wiping the sweat off his eyebrow.

“Yes…it’s very difficult to prepare and very easy to consume. Most people don’t realize that till they themselves put on an apron, a hat and have a go in the kitchen!” corrected Jason folding his arms feeling proud.

Marissa put her arm around Gaston’s shoulder and comfortingly said “ don’t worry, you worked really hard, I’m sure the outcome will be positive.”

Gaston took a deep breath, sighed and repliid “I hope so too.”

Chapter 8 The Outcome

Gaston was a nervous wreck throughout the waiting process as he waited in the lounge for thirty minutes till the Chicken Cordon Bleu was finally ready to be consumed for himself and Marissa.

While Gaston had to wait on the sofa, he was not saying a word to Marissa, rather frantically shaking his legs and constantly looking at the time displayed on the grandfather clock.

“Gaston relax! I’M sure it won’t be a disaster! Just chill and hope for the best.” exclaimed Marissa trying to calm Gaston down.

Gaston took a long look at Marissa and then said “You’re right….let’s hope for the best no matter what!” Gaston was still wiping the sweat off his feverish forehead from his handkerchief.

Soon enough, the time passed and it was ready to devour the Chicken Cordon Bleu no matter the outcome.

Gaston as per Jason’s instructions took out the dish from the oven, then sat himself on a table alongside Marissa and Jason where they would each have to taste the outcome.

Jason and Marissa were the first to test Gaston’s first rookie meal outcome.

Jason and Marissa each took one bite of it and then looked towards each other and suddenly exclaimed :

“My word this is Fabulous! Incredible first attempt Master Gaston!!” exclaimed Jason all of a sudden.

“This is the best Chicken Cordon Bleu I’ve ever had! Even better than the one Jason normally prepares for me!! Job well done Gaston!” exclaimed Marissa applauding Gaston’s efforts.

“Huh?” said Gaston in utter shock and disbelief since he couldn’t quite believe what his eyes were seeing and what his ears were hearing.

He then quickly took a bite of his prepared meal and to his great astonishment he couldn’t quite believe just how well the final outcome had turned out.

“Wow, I had no idea it could have actually gone so well!” said Gaston amazed at his most recent accomplishment.

“The outcome turned out fantastic!....Now let’s quickly dig in and then wait for the chocolate mousse as soon as we finish this dish first.” instructed Jason.

“Right.” nodded Gaston and Marissa.

The three quickly finished lunch shortly with Gaston and Marissa each enjoying Gaston’s first time rookie prepared dish.

As soon as the table was cleared and the bowl of chocolate mousse brought out from the fridge, Jason laid out six bowls.

Jason then laid out Gaston’s concoction first into three separate bowls, then his own work of art in three other separate bowls.

“Alright, we’ll try out both by taking a bite from my creation, and then from Gaston’s.” announced Jason.

Gaston and Marissa nodded as they followed suit.

Soon enough, when the trio were done tasting both, they suddenly looked at each other in disbelief and astonishment again.

“My word! This is even better than the Chicken Cordon Bleu and so much better than my chocolate mousse!! Well done Master Gaston! We’re all so very proud of you!!!” exclaimed Jason lauding Gaston’s milestone achievement.

“This really is the best chocolate mousse I’ve ever had! Good job Gaston!!” exclaimed Marissa proud of her friend and for all of his hard work.

“Wow! I had no idea it could turn out so neat. Beginners luck I guess!” admitted Gaston humbly. He himself was taken aback by how well it turned out.

“Oh don’t be so modest! You did great and now let’s dig in.” praised Marissa.

“Let’s just enjoy it. Besides, I love chocolate mousse, it’s one of my favourite things in the whole world. Whenever a special occasion used to Come, Ma and I always treated ourselves to it.” said Gaston taking a big bite from his bowl.

“Oh wait, your mum enjoys it as well?” asked Marissa.

“Yeah Ma loves it. Why?” asked Gaston.

“Well then Jason, please take out a container from the shelves and put some for Gaston’s mum for Gaston to take home as well. She’ll be delighted to find out how well Gaston performed in the kitchen today.” instructed Marissa.

“Marissa you really don’t have to….it’s okay really.” insisted Gaston.

“Nonsense, take some for your mum and let her try it as well. Now Jason please put some in a container for Gaston to take home.” insisted Marissa.

As per Marissa’s instructions, Jason took out a container and put some of the chocolate mousse for Katherine Smith.

“Mmmm, this is really good. Can’t wait to spend the rest of the week and see how it unfolds. We’ll continue going sightseeing first, then come back home and see what else you prepare.” announced Marissa.

“That sounds great!” nodded Gaston in agreement.

As soon as Gaston had finished, he looked at the grandfather clock and jumped from his seat “Look at the time! It flew by so quickly when you’re out having so much fun. Looks like time really flies huh!”

“Yeah it does; Harry will drop you home and please take this container for your mum. See you tomorrow Gaston.” said Marissa handing over the container of chocolate mousse in Gaston’s hand.

“Bye, thanks for the culinary lessons. I’ll see you both tomorrow.” said Gaston waving goodbye to both Marissa and Jason the chef/caretaker.

As soon as Gaston hopped into the black car, he thought to himself “Wow, what a day! But just how did I become such a culinary expert?” Gaston wondered throughout the duration of the car ride.

As soon as Gaston reached his abode and thanked Harry for dropping him, he immediately rushed to his apartment and raced inside to his mum.

“Ma, you won’t believe what just happened! Here, take a look at this, try it!!” exclaimed Gaston handing over the container to his mum Katherine.

“What happened dear? What’s this?” she asked puzzled by Gaston’s excited behavior all of a sudden.

Gaston took out a spoon from the drawer and opened the container and said “Here try this.”

“Chocolate mousse? Wow, where did you get this?” she asked surprised.

“I’ll explain everything, but first enjoy this…because I made this just for us!!” said Gaston insisting she try his dish.

Gaston explained everything to Katherine Smith in as much detail as he possibly could and all the events that transpired that day.

“Wow, looks like you had quite the day! You’re very lucky to have such a sweet, caring and kind friend like Marissa. If you can become a high profile culinary expert, then who knows how beneficial that can be for both of us. Please promise me you’ll do your best in all walks of life and whichever way they come forward.” Said Katherine Smith

“I will Ma.” agreed Gaston with a big smile on his face.

“Oh and Gaston”

“Yes Ma?”

“I’m really, really proud of you and for all your hard work! I hope everything works out for you.”

“Thanks Ma, really appreciate it.”

That night as Gaston lay on his bed, he couldn’t stop thinking about how eventful that day was and how much things had gone in his favour that day.

He knew he had to seize the oppourtunity, for his and mum’s sake.

He finally got to pursue his dreams, eat fine gourmet foods, and most of all spend time with the special someone who was so dear to him since the very moment she stepped into Mr Woodward’s class.

Gaston was living in dreamland, only he was awake to witness and experience it all!