Chapter 5: Chapter 5

The Longest Winter Possible

As the months had passed by ever so quickly, the time had come for the school term to be nearly over.

Gaston and Marissa had both given their midterm examinations at school and soon upon completion of the final midterm examination, winter break had commenced.

Gaston and Marissa, along with all the other pupils in their school were to receive three weeks of holidays from schoolwork, assignments, homework and school itself.

As soon as Gaston and Marissa exited the school premises, Gaston immediately asked Marissa “Marissa, the term is nearly over… now what? How much longer are you here in London for?”

“Well…..” replied Marissa with a long hesitant pause.

“Yes?” inquired Gaston eagerly.

“You see, my parents are back from Russia from their really long business trip and they asked when my term would be over. I told them that it would be ending soon, so they wanted me back in Paris in time for Christmas and wanted me back home since I’m done seeing all of London and almost all of England itself. They wanted me back home so that I could continue my education in Paris, France and resume my life there like before I arrived to London.” explained Marissa.

“Bummer! So when do you go back and how many more days till we can spend time together?” asked Gaston in a low husky tone.

“Well….” answered Marissa with a long pause.

“I understand, you’re leaving immediately aren’t you. I’m really going to miss you and the time we spent together Marissa.” said Gaston softly, trying not to get emotional all of a sudden.

“Yes, I’m leaving immediately. Tomorrow in fact since my parents wanted me home immediately after not having seen me for months. But we can still keep in touch with each other right? Through social Media and text messages. I might be going but it doesn’t mean our friendship has to be over.” said Marissa trying to lift Gaston’s spirits up.

“I guess.” replied Gaston sorrowfully.

Marissa could tell something was up and that Gaston wasn’t being his usual self right now.

“Come on, I say we just forget about the cooking today and instead just dine out at a restaurant instead. My treat, what do you say?” offered Marissa trying to cheer Gaston up.

“No thanks, you’ve already done way too much for me these past few months, I can’t accept this.” said Gaston politely declining Marissa’s offer.

“Of course you can silly! Besides I’ve got a free gift voucher for my favourite restaurant Chateau Le Ritz through my connections’; i’d better avail it since I won’t be here tomorrow. Wouldn’t want it to go to waste huh?” said Marissa insisting.

“I guess.” replied Gaston softly.

“Come on, let’s get in the car and go there.” said Marissa leading the way.

She held Gaston’s hand and dragged him into the car with her while Harry was holding the door waiting for them both to be seated.

“Where to Miss?” asked Harry.

“To Chateau Le Ritz please.” instructed Marissa.

“Excellent choice Miss.” said Harry as he drove them to Marissa’s preferred restaurant destination.

Throughout the duration of the car ride, Marissa couldn’t help but notice how awfully quiet Gaston had become all of a sudden and how his spirits looked faded and how he wasn’t smiling anymore. She could notice how he was holding back his tears from pouring down his cheeks.

She put his hand over his and comfortingly said “Don’t worry, we’ll keep in touch. Let’s just enjoy our last meal in London for the time being. It’s very important to enjoy the present you know.”

“I guess.” said Gaston softly while nodding his head.

They enjoyed an exquisite dining experience at one of the city’s most posh localities and one of the most exquisite restaurants.

They enjoyed Chicken Tarragon, Dynamite Prawns, Moroccan chicken, chicken ala kiev and filet-mignon steak. For dessert they had apple pia ala mode and blueberry cheesecake.

All of this was made easily possible through Marissa’s gift voucher.

As soon as they finished their meal and wiped their faces with the napkins, Gaston spoke to Marissa and thanked her for everything “Marissa, these past few months have been the best time of my life and I can’t believe how much you’ve done for me. Thank you! I can’t put into words how to thank you for everything you’ve done for me and everything I’ve learnt and accomplished during these past few months. I’ve literally had the best time of my life so thank you!”

“You’re welcome and it was no big deal really. You were so kind, down to earth and humble, it’s really hard for any genuinely good person to dislike you because YOU’RE A VERY LIKEABLE PERSON Gaston.”

“Thanks Marissa! Really means a lot. School and life in London just won’t feel the same without you in it though. I’m really, really going to miss you Marissa!”

“I’m going to really miss you too Gaston. We’ll keep in touch though.”

“I guess”

“Now let’s get in the car, Harry has to drop me home, then drop you home and then do some other errands for my father while he’s still taking care of me here.”

Gaston and Marissa seated themselves in the well maintained, well-kept black car and sped off towards Marissa’s residence.

Gaston was quiet throughout the duration of the car ride. Marissa quite clearly knew why.

Upon reaching Marissa’s residence, Gaston and Marissa parted ways with each other and bid each other farewell.

Marissa hugged Gaston, then kissed him on his cheek. She smiled sweetly at him and said “Thanks for all the terrific memories Gaston. Be good now and do your best in school. Let’s aim high and meet each other someday soon then in good spirits and better times.”

Gaston replied and smiled at Marissa “Yeah Marissa, all the best in your endeavors too. Take care, thanks for everything and please take care of yourself. Until we meet again, till then farewell and all the best.”

They hugged again and this time Gaston kissed Marissa across her cheek.

They waved at each other goodbye, till Harry drove Gaston towards his residence.

He continued waving at Marissa and looking at her, till he couldn’t anymore.

He looked at the wind shield in front of him and saw a beautiful sunset. It was at that moment that Gaston couldn’t control himself anymore. He actually burst into tears, especially after seeing that beautiful sunset.

Harry offered him a tissue from the tissue box.

Gaston accepted and said “Thanks, I really needed that!” Gaston wiped his tears with it and blew his nose.

“I take it you had a very good time with her and that you’re really going to miss her huh?” said Harry taking note.

“You have no idea how much!” replied Gaston with tears continuing to pour down his cheeks.

By the time Gaston reached home, the waterworks had ended. He shook Harry’s hand and thanked him for dropping him home these past few months.

“Thank you so much for everything these past few months, take care and bye now.” said Gaston getting off.

“Bye Sir.” said Harry as he waved goodbye and sped off.

Gaston made the long steps up towards his apartment.

He entered and immediately sat down on the kitchen table.

Gaston was in a gloomy, depressed state of mind.

His mum was around, present to see the look of disappointment and sorrow across her son’s face.

“What’s the matter dear?” she asked.

“Marissa’s left back for Paris and she leaves tomorrow. I’ll never see her again most likely.”

“Well I’m very sorry to hear that dear. I hope you’ll cherish all the good times you spent with her and all the wonderful memories made together.”

“I hope so….will really miss her though.”

“Yes you will. She was a genuine and sincere friend and quite really the only real friend you’ve ever made all your life.”

“Yeas and that’s why I’ll miss her so much Ma.”

Katherine Smith gave her son a hug and patted his shoulder.

She asked him if he wanted supper but then Gaston said no thanks since he already ate a hearty meal with Marissa earlier.

Gaston went to bed early that evening and began to reflect on so many of life’s instances, circumstances and all that life throws one’s way. He began to reflect on his life and all that he had been through.

He reflected on his initial struggles with school, life, how he acted as a pillar of support all his life to her. He reflected on how much his life had changed over the past few months ever since he met Marissa. How he was living in dreamland with the girl of his dreams and what a tasty, delightful and memorable time they spent together. How he got to learn to prepare and master up so many of his own culinary recipes and how much he improved as a culinary chef.

What was hurting Gaston the most was how it all ended with Marissa parting ways back to Paris and how he was left all alone with no more companionship and nothing really to do anymore during the long winter break.

He dwelled on his time spent with Marissa and how he would have to face the longest winter possible without Marissa and how lonely and empty the coming few weeks would be for him.

He dwelled and it certainly turned out true for him in his case.

Gaston spent the next few weeks all alone in his small apartment with only his mum by his side.

All day long he would dwell upon his time spent with Marissa and how it passed like a breeze. How he longed to meet her again. How much he truly missed her.

He particularly missed her on Christmas day and how lonely and empty the day felt without her.

He missed her on New Years Eve and New Years day and how he would have loved to whip her up something special from her kitchen.

He missed her the most when he had to go back to eating the regular food prepared at home. He missed the delicacies from Marissa’s apartment kitchen. He obviously couldn’t cook anything similar at his kitchen because the grocery items needed to prepare gourmet dishes were sky high in terms of expenditure and cost of preparing.

He dreaded the thought of going back to school with no Marissa by his side. How everyone would start mocking and jeering at him again. How he would be called the ‘toilet cubicle loser’ and other hurtful names again.

He kept in touch with Marissa on social media telling her every day that he missed her and vice versa. However, it just wasn’t the same since Gaston missed having Marissa’s physical presence around.

Soon enough school was about to resume and Gaston thought to himself that the longest winter possible is finally over with. Now he would have to go back to facing the harsh reality of how his life used to be before Marissa’s arrival in his life.

Just three days before the new term and just when school was about to resume, Gaston received a text message from Marissa that she had a surprise in store for him and that Harry would come over to his residence to drop off something. Something which Gaston would really like.

Gaston thanked her but said that she didn’t have to do anything special for him. She again replied “Nonsense silly.” and told Gaston to be aware of the doorbell the next morning.

Gaston wondered what it could be. He thought would Marissa send over French pastries or French cakes or French cuisines. He wondered long and hard.

The next day, early that morning the doorbell rang.

Gaston who was already awake in anticipation, ran to get the door.

As soon as he opened the door, his mouth dropped wide open. He was in a state of utter shock and disbelief. He rubbed his eyes to see if it was all real or not. He pinched himself to make sure that he wasn’t just dreaming things and they were actually what they seemed.

He couldn’t believe the jaw dropping turn of events that had suddenly taken place in front of his very eyes.

Chapter 10

Spring in Paris

Right there on Gaston’s apartment doorstep was Marissa’s presence in the flesh!

“What! How! Who! Where! Why! How!” exclaimed Gaston excitedly as he couldn’t help but be overcome with joy and excitement after looking at Marissa’s presence in front of him.

“I came to meet you Gaston. I missed you and I wanted to share some news with you as well.” she announced

“Wha?” asked Gaston in disbelief.

“Before I explain everything, are you going to hug me or what!” stated Marissa.

“Oh yeah sure!” said Gaston moving forward to hug Marissa. Marissa kissed Gaston on his cheek.

“Now are you going to invite me in!” stated Marissa.

“Oh yeah sure…please come in.” said Gaston inviting her in.

It was the first time that Marissa ever entered Gaston’s residence.

As soon as Marissa entered, she looked around at the small apartment.

She suddenly realized really what a humble background Gaston hailed from and the evident class difference between the two. She suddenly began feeling very grateful for where she was hailing from.

“This is where mum and I live.” announced Gaston.

Just then, Katherine Smith walked by and was stunned to see Marissa.

“Hi, nice to meet you Mrs Katherine Smith. I hope you’re doing well and fine.” said Marissa lending a hand forward to greet her.

“Hi dear, so nice to see you. Just really surprised to see you here like this.” said Katherine Smith shaking Marissa’s hand.

“Yes, I’ll explain everything as to why I decided to surprise you both on such short notice.” announced Marissa.

“Well first dear, would you like me to make you some tea.” offered Gaston’s mum.

“That sounds lovely. Yes please.” said Marissa graciously accepting the offer.

Katherine Smith began preparing tea for Marissa and Gaston again inquired about the sudden positive surprise from Marissa.

She explained: “You see Gaston, ever since I left London and went back home, I only really thought about you. I really missed you and really felt your absence on Christmas day and New Years Day. It just didn’t feel the same especially at dinner time back home. All I could think about were the meals we ate together and all the fun we had. So I wanted to surprise you by coming over and making you and your mum a super cool offer that you couldn’t possibly refuse.”

“I really missed you too these past few weeks Marissa.” said Gaston.

“What was this super cool offer young lady? Please do tell.” questioned Katherine Smith intrigued.

Marissa explained “You see…. I told my parents about you and since I’m an only child, they really take a lot of time to look into my happiness and what pleases me and what’s best for me. I told my dad about your progress with Jason in the kitchen the previous few months and he was really impressed by the lightning fast progress you made. He also offered to let you take an academic transfer and continue with your education in Paris immediately. He would take complete care of the student tuition fee and all the formalities. He also said that he would allow you and your mum to come over to Paris and stay in my house for as long as you want. This way you could continue with the culinary lessons and continue being a superb chef someday under the guidance and counseling of all the other culinary experts at my residence.”

Upon hearing this, Gaston and his mum were suddenly stunned and quite shocked upon hearing Marissa’s proposal.

“Well this is going to have to be quite an adjustment young lady, and on such short notice, I don’t know what to really say since this is all so sudden.” said Katherine Smith nervously handing over Marissa the cup of tea she had just prepared.

Marissa continued “Yes and you can quickly start packing your suitcases now since we could leave in a few hours only. My family’s private jet is waiting at the airport to take me back home. My parents sent me to bring you two over since he really wanted to meet you both and start to get to know you better after hearing about all the positive things I told him about you two.”

“Private jjjeeetttt” murmured Gaston stuttering after hearing Marissa’s sentence.

“Leave today only?!” said Katherine Smith who suddenly felt taken aback after hearing all this so soon. It was a lot for her to absorb so quickly.

“Yes, I’ve never told you that my family owns a private jet and with it I can pretty much zoom in and out of anywhere in the world really. So that’s why going to Paris and reaching there today only is a real possibility for you both.” explained Marissa.

“But what about Gaston’s school and my own workplaces? I have to still provide for Gaston and he still has to attend school young lady.” stated Katherine Smith.

Marissa explained : “ Oh no worries whatsoever, my father said that he will have his people look into the matter and have Gaston’s transfer done to a nearby local school in Paris at the soonest. Therefore his education wouldn’t suffer at all. Also, he said that he could get you a job there at a very attractive salary package through his contacts, but you wouldn’t need to work immediately because he said that you both could stay at home for as long as you like as guests and that you need not worry about anything at all, because he made it clear that he would take care of everything.”

“Well is there any other detail you should let us know about young lady?” inquired Gaston’s mum.

“Yes, there is the prospect of Gaston entering the ‘Culinary Land’ competition in Paris. It’s held every year in Paris in spring time. Its only two weeks away in fact. This competition is so big that hundreds of hopefuls who wish to make it big in the culinary world come and participate in. If you perform well, then so many avenues open up for such hopefuls. If you win, then the sky’s the limit for where you end up as a chef or culinary expert. The whole event is televised and coverage includes numerous newspapers and magazines globally. Participation is free of course and hundreds of hopefuls worldwide come here to participate. My father thought it would be an excellent idea for Gaston to participate in it.” concluded Marissa

Katherine Smith looked as if she was in sudden disbelief after hearing all this.

Katherine Smith continued nervously “Well that still sounds a little all too sudden….I mean I don’t know…I”

But before she could complete her sentence, Gaston interrupted her, grabbed her arm and said “Come on Ma! Let’s pack our suitcases, Marissa and her family clearly have everything figured out! It’s time for a new change and new start for both of us! I’ll enter that competition and fight till my last breath to win that competition for both of us!! Now hurry up Ma!”

He dragged her to her bedroom and started packing her things. Then he started packing his own things as quickly as he could.

Katherine Smith was still in a state of bewilderment as to how fast things were moving so forward. She and Gaston were struggling to make ends meet and now she was about to be seated in a private jet and enter a world of luxury by staying at the home of an oil tycoon in one of the most lavish and incredible cities in the world. Her son was on his way to try and become a culinary expert and win a competition that could drastically change lives for both mother and son.

It was all so much for her to absorb so quickly.

Marissa smiled sweetly after seeing the look of excitement and anticipation across Gaston’s face who again felt like he was living in dreamland with Marissa by his side.

As soon as everything was packed and they had told the neighbours that they were off, Katherine Smith locked her apartment and told the maintenance staff downstairs that she and Gaston would be gone for some time.

Harry the chauffeur was again present, looking as well dressed as ever and holding the door to the black Lexus for Gaston, Marissa and Katherine Smith.

Gaston and Harry greeted each other.

“Hi Harry.”

“Hi Sir, good to see you again.”

“Likewise, and I hope you’ve been well.”

“So this is the car you two have been riding all over town in?” asked Katherine Smith quite impressed after seating herself in.

“Yes mum, and it all has to do with Marissa’s generosity and good heart.” answered Gaston.

“Oh don’t mention it, it’s nothing really.” said Marissa modestly.

Gaston asked Harry about how he was doing and how life had been for him and vice versa.

Katherine Smith felt she was in a whirlwind of sorts. She couldn’t believe how fast things were progressing forward for herself and her son Gaston.

Throughout the car ride, Gaston and his mum were quiet as they couldn’t believe the opportunity that life had given to them and where their fortunes were taking them. It almost seemed too good to be true!

As soon as reaching the airport, Harry took them through another route, one that avoided all the hustle and bustle of airport formalities within an airport. Harry led them through another route that led them directly to the airplane runway and which brought them right next to the airplane.

“Huh, how come we didn’t go inside the airport and through all the long formalities” questioned Gaston.

Marissa explained “Well you see…when you own a private jet, you don’t exactly need to undergo all the airport formalities. You can directly enter and exit from the plane however you please. So it’s a lot easier and a whole lot more convenient when you’ve got a private plane.”

“Wow, that’s neat!” Gaston said sounding impressed.

The airplane was blue and white, impressive in size and looked like it could accommodate several people within it.

Soon a staircase arrived to allow them all to board.

As soon as the three of them had boarded the plane, Harry also joined them. He had given the black car to someone and proceeded within the plane.

“So Harry is also going to join us?” asked Gaston.

Marissa answered “Yes, actually he’s one of the three chauffeurs at my residence in Paris. He’s my own personal chauffeur in Paris as well. That’s why when I was out here in London, my dad had specifically sent him here because I was familiar with him.”

“And let me guess, Jason was one of the chefs at your place in Paris, so that’s why your dad had sent him over to London so that he could continue preparing for you whatever you liked.” said Gaston.

“Exactly, and see for yourself who’s in front of you Gaston.” said Marissa pointing towards the entrance of the plane.

Gaston and Katherine Smith looked ahead at the plane door, and to their surprise, they saw Jason the chef standing in front of the door waiting to greet them on board.

“Good day Master Gaston, Good day Ladies, Good day Harry, welcome on board and let’s get a move on to Miss Marissa’s hometown shall we.” said Jason greeting everyone.

Good day Jason.” replied everyone.

“Ma, he’s the one who helped me and trained me to become an excellent chef like himself.” Gaston announced.

“So you’re the chef who’s been training my son to become a culinary expert?” asked Katherine Smith stepping inside the airplane.

“Why yes I am madam.” replied Jason.

“Well thank you so much Sir. Gaston has learned so much from you. He speaks very highly of you and really appreciates all that you’ve done for him so far.” thanked Katherine Smith showing her gratitude for Jason and all his hard work towards her son.

“Oh no problem at all, Gaston was always an excellent pupil. He required very little training in fact. It was mostly due to his own sheer brilliance that he made it thus far. But thank you madam, it really means a lot.” replied Jason modestly accepting praise towards himself.

As soon as everyone was onboard, Gaston Smith and his mum Katherine Smith looked around inside the airplane. It was spacious, had big brown leather seats, and overall looked like a very high end setup from everywhere inside and out. It seemed like an overall very luxurious commodity to own. They were both very impressed by it.

Everyone seated themselves onboard. Harry seated himself with the pilot upfront.

Soon it was time for take-off.

Gaston and his mum looked at each other and smiled. Gaston had never sat in an airplane before let alone a private jet. It was his first time flying anywhere for that matter.

As soon as they had taken off, Gaston and his mum both looked out the window and saw how visibly small the world looked from so high above.

“Look Ma, I can see our home from here!” pointed Gaston.

“Yes dear, I see it too.” replied Katherine Smith sharing the enthusiasm with her son.

Marissa smiled sweetly after seeing both their reactions. It was all nothing new for her, however the good natured human being that she was, it made her feel very happy to share what life had given her with those lesser privileged than her. She by nature enjoyed sharing and she enjoyed making someone else happy.

Soon it was time to eat something. Jason served everyone.

He made chicken ravioli, shrimp pasta, buffalo wings and for dessert blueberry cheesecake.

“Wow! I can understand why Gaston praised your cooking so much! This is delicious!!” exclaimed Katherine Smith smacking her lips after the meal she had just had.

“Yes, Jason is an excellent chef and an amazing teacher as well. That’s how I was able to learn everything so quickly.” added Gaston praising Jason’s cooking.

“The meal was delicious Jason.” added Marissa.

“I’m glad you all enjoyed. Thank you for the compliments, it means a lot.” replied Jason humbly.

Soon they were all about to land.

“Gaston and Mrs Smith, please look out the window and see the beautiful city of Paris from outside your windows.” announced Marissa.

Immediately both Gaston and his mum gazed towards their windows and began looking in awe as to how beautiful Paris looked like just as they were about to land.

They had never seen anything quite like it.

“Look Ma there’s the Eiffel Tower! And there’s the Notre Dame!” exclaimed Gaston feeling all excited.

“Yes dear I can see it. The whole city looks just so incredible! My word what an incredible luxury travelling really is!!” exclaimed Katherine Smith sharing the excitement with her son.

Marissa, Jason and Harry all smiled.

Upon landing, a steel staircase was brought forward to allow the passengers out of the plane. Harry stepped out of the airplane first.

“Where is Harry going? Aren’t we supposed to be following him or something?” questioned Gaston.

“You’ll see.” answered Marissa.

Gaston and his mum looked at each other puzzled.

Just then after a few minutes, Jason opened the plane door for all three of them and said “It’s time to go home now. Everyone please vacate the plane now since Harry has brought the vehicle to take us all home.”

Gaston, his mum, Marissa and Jason started climbing down the stairs.

They saw that Harry had arrived in an almost brand new white Rolls Royce that looked state of the art and very well maintained.

“Wow a Rolls Royce!” How incredible!!” said Gaston suddenly taken aback after seeing the luxury car in front of them.

“What a beautiful vehicle indeed.” remarked Katherine Smith.

Marissa was smiling after seeing their reactions. She thought to herself “Wait till they reach home, then we’ll see their reactions!”

Jason got the door for the three of them as they seated themselves in the back seat.

Jason seated himself in front next to Harry as they were making their way to Marissa’s Parisian residence.

“Wow, what a comfy car!” thought Gaston to himself.

“This is such an incredible car, I can’t believe I’m actually riding in it!” thought Katherine Smith to herself.

During the car ride from the airport to Marissa’s Parisian residence, Gaston and his mum looked out the windows and looked in awe and wonder as to just how beautiful the city of Paris really was. It was spring time there so everything looked even more spectacular.

For the two Londoners, Paris was a sight to behold for them.

As soon as they came across both the Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower, both mum and son looked in wonder. They were both so much more beautiful in person than on pictures and post cards. The whole city of Paris seemed to feel like out of a fairytale for them both.

“I always dreamed of going to Paris and seeing it someday. But now that I finally have, I can’t believe just how gorgeous this city really is! I could never fathom it being this attractive, never in a million years!” said Katherine Smith very impressed by the city.

“I’m just super grateful to be travelling for once and to see a city so picturesque seems like a fairytale come true!” admitted Gaston.

“Wait till you two reach home.” informed Marissa.

Gaston and Katherine Smith continued looking in awe and wonder at the whole city around them.

Soon enough they had reached Marissa’s residence.

It was located at an ultra-posh locality where all the residents that lived in that neighborhood came from extremely wealthy backgrounds.

Marissa lived in a beautifully constructed twenty bedroom luxury Villa which had three swimming pools, a tennis court, multiple flower gardens, a garage that housed ten luxury cars, a separate pool house near the pools and a small cottage made which housed the overnight staff working at Marissa’s residence.

Upon reaching, Marissa offered to give Gaston and his mum a quick outdoor tour before they stepped inside.

Gaston and his mum both stared at everything in amazement as they had never been in such an exclusive exquisite property before. They had never seen so many luxury cars in one place before.

The front door of the Manor was wooden and very big in size.

A very well dressed bald butler opened the door and greeted the three of them welcoming them inside.

“Bonjour Madam Marissa.” he said.

“Bonjour Antoine” replied Marissa.

“Bonjour? What’s that?” asked Gaston stepping into the villa.

“That’s how we greet each other here in France. Bonjour is French for hello.”