Entangled

I woke up to the sound of rain splattering against my window. My back ached from the work I had done the night before. I am Laurie Mendez, 22 years old and an orphan. I lost my parents in a car crash when I was five. It was a heartbreaking year for me. Since then, I have lived alone with no family member or anyone to take care of me. The only people I had were my two best friends, Gina and George. They were twins I met at the orphanage where I grew up. Their parents were sponsors there. I met them three months after I lost my parents. They were kind and generous, and I quickly took a liking to them. We have been best friends ever since. I checked my phone. It was quarter past four in the evening, and I was supposed to start my evening shift at the coffee shop at 5 pm. I was running late. I quickly got dressed and ran to work. I couldn't afford to take a cab because I was saving up for my culinary school fees. I had always loved cooking, but after I lost my parents, I didn't have enough money to continue pursuing that dream. However, since I started working at the coffee shop, I have been able to save up a little money. When I got to work, I was out of breath and sweating. My boss gave me a disapproving look, but I was used to it. I quickly put on my apron and got ready for the day's work. The day went by quickly, and the work was not as stressful as the previous day. As I was about to leave, I received a message from Gina. She had returned from her trip and was at my apartment. I couldn't wait to see her and hear about her trip. I took a cab home. When I arrived, I could see Gina's back. She was wearing a white tank top and blue jeans, with her blonde hair tied in a neat ponytail. She turned around and smiled when she saw me. We hugged for a long time, and it felt good to see her again. "I miss you so much, babes," Gina said. "I miss you too, Gina," I replied with a smile. "I have some big news for you," Gina said with a mischievous smile on her face. "What is it, Gina?" I asked, eager to know what she wanted to say. "I applied for you to Louis culinary school," Gina said. I was surprised and shocked. Louis culinary school was not only the best in New York, but it was also the most expensive and popular culinary school in New York. I had always wished I could go there, but it was too expensive, and I couldn't afford it. "How did you do that?" I asked. "Well, I saw an ad online about Louis culinary school scholarship opportunities for less privileged people. I had your details, so I enrolled you. All you have to do now is start preparing for the cooking competition in the next five days to get into the school officially," Gina said. "What? I have to engage in a cooking competition to get the scholarship?" I said, feeling nervous. It's not that I doubted my cooking skills. I have cooked for a few people, and they complimented my food. But this was different. I had to compete with other people who I didn't know, and they could be way better than me. "I am not sure if I can do this," I said, feeling less eager than when I heard the news. "You can do that, Laurie. You are the best cook I know. Don't feel pressured," Gina said, assuringly. "Maybe I should just give it a trial," I said, unsure about my decision. "You should, and know you will qualify for the scholarship," Gina said, standing up to the freezer. Staring off into space. I contemplated my ability to handle the upcoming cooking competition. My thoughts were interrupted by the loud music and banging of speakers. I looked up to see Gina, dancing and singing along. I smiled and joined in. Gina has always been my safe space, and I can't help but be goofy around her. After our dance party, we sat down on the sofa in the living room. Gina began to tell me about her trip and all the news she had to share. "Guess who I saw on the front page of the cover for the Louis Culinary School Scholarship," Gina asked with a mischievous grin on her cheeks. "Who?" I replied. "Louis Kane," Gina said dramatically. "Louis who?" I asked. feeling a burst of anger come over me.