Icing on the cake

Devil's food cake

I shot out of bed in a cold sweat and panting heavily That felt so real but I didn't recognize anyone because everything was blurred and in pieces. I've never had a nightmare since I was 8 and still afraid of the boogie man. But this one felt so real like I was actually there.

I rolled out of bed and went to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth, I put my hair in a messy bun, I threw a strawberry bath bomb in my bathtub and slid into the tub.

I closed my eyes and my mind went back to the baking competition, should I join? If I join I should be able to start building my bakery, but if I don't win I'll just be wasting time I mean desserts are my strength but there will be so must other bakers that might be much better than I am, and besides what if while I'm there I get a call saying I got the job, although it's been 2 weeks I still might get the job, Right.

I lay in the tub for another 15 minutes before stepping out.

I put on a pair of shorts and an oversized crop top. I think I should join the competition this could be my only chance. I thought of something simple yet exquisite to make for my audition tape and then it hit me...

Devil's Food Cake!!

I got my camera and tripod, I got my ingredients, and began recording the audition tape, I tried to be as normal as possible when I was finished. I edited the video then sent it to the Dessert King website.

I'm getting a little worried now because I don't have a job and my money was running out, so I really hope that I at least get accepted into the competition.

Later that day my mother called to tell me to come over so I was currently on my way there.

When I got there I went inside, I was going to scare my parents.

I looked around downstairs but they weren't there, so I went upstairs to look for them then I heard stifled voices in my dad's office.

It sounded like arguing but I couldn't hear what they were saying, I heard glass being shattered so I went downstairs pretending I just arrived.

"Mom... Dad" I yelled

I heard them shuffling down the stairs and tried my best to pretend I didn't hear anything.

"Oh, your here," Mom said trying to look happy.

"I almost finished cooking so in the meantime could you please go collect the mail please"

I nod and made my way outside to get the mail, Something was definitely off but I didn't know what and I wasn't going to pry.

I took the mail out of the mailbox and check to see what came, it was just a few bills but one caught my eye, On the envelope had the name, Marcy Carson written on it.

Who's Marcy Carson?

I took the mail inside and took it to my Dad, "Who's Marcy Carson" I inquired, Dad instantly grew tense.

"That's no one sweetheart" I was still curious but I didn't want to pressure him so I ignored it.

Dinner was quiet and tense something was off.

I asked to be excused and went to the bathroom, when I got to the bathroom I saw the letter in the trash I grabbed it and hid it in my jean pocket then went downstairs.

"It's getting late and I have to drive home all alone I think I should leave"

They said their goodbyes and I left.

When I got home I took a shower and prepared for bed. I lay in my bed and let the darkness consume me.

*

"Mom Anderson hit me"

"Stop being a baby Avery"

"Leave my sister alone you jerk"

"All of you stop it now"

My chest tightened and everything became blurred and then I saw black and I heard sirens and people yelling but I couldn't see anything I couldn't move and I began to hyperventilate.

The voices became muffled and then everything fell silent.

*

I shot out of bed in a cold sweat, I was hyperventilating I need to calm down but I couldn't it took almost 15 minutes to calm down and when I finally did I took a long bath.

I grabbed up my laptop and opened it to see a notification form.

The Dessert Kings.

I took a deep breath and opened the email.

Dear Ms. Charlotte Miller,

We sent this email to inform you that you have been accepted into the Dessert Kings Competition, As soon as we can you will receive a package containing your plane ticket to France and your apron and chefs hat, you are required to bring clothes and any other supplies you may need for 3 months. We look forward to seeing you in a week's time.

Yours Respectfully,

Dessert Kings.

Saying I was excited was an understatement I was ecstatic I called everyone that was close to me and told them the good news.

~~~

Tomorrow is the day I leave for France and mom and dad came over to help me pack, they left about an hour ago and now I'm just packing a backpack to carry on the plane.

I packed my phone, my headphones, my neck pillow, my blanket and some water.

After I was finish packing the sun was setting so I went into the kitchen to make dinner I made a simple mac and cheese.

When I finished eating I went into my room and saw the chef uniform laying on my bed I almostforgot to pack it. I walked up to the bed and took the soft fabric in my hands. I can't believe I got in, I have another chance to show the world who Charlotte Miller really is.

~~~

My eyes cracked open as my alarm beeped off I jumped out of bed and went into the shower, I put on a green hoodie and some jeans grabbing my hair in a ballerina bun. By the time I was ready Nate was infront leaning on his black SUV ready to take me to the airport.

"Oh My God!" I yelled.

"What is some thing wrong" he leaned off of his car looking around in a frantic manner.

"You're early" He just rolled his eyes and got in the car and I followed suit.

"Do you feel cold?" I questioned.

"No"

"I.. I think hells frozen over" I made a face of horror before busting into laughter. Nate looked at me with a bored expression before starting the car and leaving the driveway.

"That's not funny and plus this is really important to you I don't want to ruin it for you" I raised my hand in a violin position and started mimicking a violin.

He rolled his eyes again, "I'm just kidding"

"I'm so happy for you and no matter if you win or lose I'm already proud of you, and plus you got this lil sis" He said and I couldn't help the grin that made it's way on my face.

"I love you Nate"

"Love you too"

About an hour later Nate's SUV pulled up in front of the airport. Nate took my bags out of trunk resting them on the floor before embracing my into a hug. "Be safe little sis and remember I'm waiting for my champion of a sister to come home."

After we said our goodbyes I went into the building and checked in, collected my boarding pass and going through the security checkpoint when I was finished doing all that I boarded the plane and after a while the plane was taking off.

When the plane had fully taken off I leaned back in my seat and closed my eyes as I slipped into a deep slumber.

My eyes snapped open as i felt a quick jab in my back, I whipped my head around to see a chubby little boy staring at me with blue mischevious eyes, he was clearly eating chocolate which was clearly evident on his face. I looked over to his mother but she didn't seem to care one bit as she was to busy taking a nap. Sighing I looked over to the kid and glared before turning around and getting comfortable in my seat.

My head jerked forward as I felt another jab in my back.

"Look kid, I'm trying to take a nap and I cant do that if you keep kicking my seat"

"Shut up" he grumbled befor kicking my seat again.

"If you kick my seat one more time i'll break your foot off and shove it down your throat" I yelled pushing my finger in his face. I almost instantly regret it because his lip formed into a pout and his eyes filled to the brim with tears.

"No no no don't cry, if you cry you'll wake your mother you don't want that" And with that is lip began to tremer. I need to stop him before he started crying and with that I remember that I packed candy in my carry on bag, I quickly grabbed some and shoved it in his hands. He gave me an evil look before beginning to stuff his face. Rolling my eyes I tried relaxing in my seat again but before I could close my eyes I was interrupted.

"Ladies and gentlemen if you look to you out your windows you will we that we have arrived in England"