DAY THREE COOKING CONTEST >
The atmosphere of the hall was looking friendly unlike yesterday, maybe because Yolanda’s mood was brightened.
They were standing in the kitchen, in front of their cooker as well as other five contestant and the ingredients they’ll be needing was already lying on the table before them.
They were waiting for the judges the go ahead before they started.
“Today’s dish is Chocolate chip cookies.”
“Whoa! My favorite food.” Yolanda heard Miguel said immediately the MC said that.
“Are you serious??” She asked him and he nodded.
“Yes, I’ve loved chocolate chip cookies ever since I was a child.” He told her and she smiled lightly.
“It’s also my favorite food.” She said and his eyes widened, a smile splayed on his lips.
“One thing we have in common.” He said and she chuckled.
“I guess.” She shrugged.
?️At the third ding, y’all should start.
And immediately a dinging sound was heard and they began at the third ding.
“I know how to prepare chocolate chip, do you know that?” He asked and she shook her head.
“Well now you know, I learnt it from my mom, when I was little, twelve years old precisely.” He blabbered and she smiled as they began preparing the items.
She was doing the light task as a result of her wound which wasn’t completely healed.
“And you, what age did you learn how to cook this?” He asked, trying to initiate a conversation as they cooked.
“Ten.” She smirked.
“That’s a big lie.” He uttered in disbelief, leaving the flour he was mixing.
“I know you as a d_1ckhead, how come you could get that yourself into the kitchen to learn how to cook, you’re lying for sure.” He said and she rolled her eyes.
“At least I’m better than you, I got rid off pride and learnt before you.” She stuck at a tongue.
“But my chocolate chip is sweeter.” He bragged.
“In your dreams.” She teased.
“I think we should do that someday, you’ll see that mine tastes good.” He bragged and she faked a yawn.
“You’re full of yourself.” He frowned and she laughed.
“You or me.”
“You.” He said and she smiled.
“Tsk, you are… My nanny didn’t teach me how to cook for nothing, I’m only showing you that I know more and you’re upset already… Poor you.” She freight pity.
“Nanny?? You had a nanny??” He asked and she nodded.
“And she thought you how to cook, I was thinking it was your mom, silly me.”
“Mom my foot! I wonder if the old lady knows how to cook.” She said with an eye roll.
“It’s your mom you’re talking about that way.” He cautioned.
“Like I care!”
“You and your mom aren’t in good terms??” He asked.
“More of it.” She said before facing what she was doing.
“Mind sharing??” He asked and her countenance changed.
She looked at him and gave out a short sigh.
“Nothing serious, she just ruined the mother and daughter relationship when she chose her work over me… And the very day she did that, that was the very day she built the bridge between us.” She
~~
“Mom!!” Little Yolanda rushed to hug her mom who just got into the mansion.
It was pretty late in the night.
“Baby, haven’t you slept yet??” Her mom asked, breaking the hug.
“No mom, I’ve been waiting for you, I want to sleep beside you, I want you to sing a lullaby for me.” She told her and her mom crouched to her level.
“Awwwn, baby… I wish I could do that but you see mommy is tired coz of work, maybe tomorrow… Let your nanny Clara sing you a lullaby.” She said, cupping her cheek.
“But you said that yesterday.” She pouted.
“Did I?… Okay I promise tomorrow.” She said standing up.
“Let nanny sing for you, I’m off to sleep… Clara, sing a lullaby for her.” She told nanny Clara who stood beside Yolanda before leaving.
“Let’s go Yoyo.” She said, holding Yolanda’s hand and the little girl began crying.
“Stop it Yoyo.” She crouched to her level, pulling her to a warm hug.
“Third time nanny, third time…” She cried.
**
“Oh mom you’re here… Come, I prepared your favorite dish.” Fourteen years old Yolanda said with a smile on her face, as she stood at the dinning room.
Her dad was already seated, waiting Isa.
“You prepared something??” Her mom asked, checking her wristwatch.
“I’m sorry I can’t join you guys, I’m late for work…” She rushed.
“Mom…”
“C’mon honey, it’s a Saturday and you won’t be very late if you just us.” Mr Adams complained.
“You won’t understand, I have to go… I’m sorry, bye.” She made to walk away but she stopped and to see Yolanda’s dejected face.
She walked up to the dining and took a bite from the food. She sip from the the chicken soup and took a piece of bread salad.
She bit it and dropped it back.
“Here I tasted your food, it’s nice… Thumbs up but I have to go now, bye.” She smiled at her before walking away.
Mr Adams sighed.
“Yoyo.” But Yolanda ran upstairs, her room before he could say anything.
**
And the last straw that broke the camel’s back was six years ago, when Yolanda was having her highschool graduation party.
They already planned, her mom agreed she was gonna come with her dad. She was happy, finally, she was gonna take a photo with both of her parents.
She only prayed her mom doesn’t break her promise but seems like her mom was bound to always make fake promises.
“I’m sorry baby.”
“You can’t give me that shít mom, which work is so important than your daughter mom!” Yolanda shouted at her.
Tomorrow was the graduation party and she’s going on a business trip today.
Really??
“You understand, but I promise to make it…”
“Don’t promise!! You’re slowly making me h@të the word promise! Now today you’re gonna choose me or that your work… Me or your work?!!” She asked, with tears glistening in her eyes.
“Landa try to understand…”
“Me or your work??!!” She rasped.
Isa looked at her, the business they were talking about here worth millions, she couldn’t lose it. It was a contracted business.
“Baby…”
“Me or your work!!!”
“I’m sorry baby, I’ll make it up to you…” Her mom said slowly and that was it.
“Fine… From today, I don’t have mother. Take care.” Yolanda said as she adjusted her glasses, trying hard not to stutter.
“Baby…” She ran upstairs.
Isa sighed before rolling her bag outside to the car already waiting for her.
She never took it serious, she thought she will surely come back but she was wrong… Yolanda never came back to her again.
The bridge was built that day.
~~
TBC…
