In California, Hollywood, 24 Sunset Boulevard lived Bella. A girl who was obsessed with baking started wistfully out the window, wishing for only one thing.
Bella Wanted to go to the competition.
The Baker’s competition happened each year, on her birthday. It was a competition held to see who had the skills to win the prize money, ONE MILLION DOLLARS. Anyway, Bella LOVED baking. Whenever she could, she baked. And baked and baked and baked. She would give up ANYTHING to go to the competition. Just to watch. But she couldn’t. She sighed and climbed into bed…
As Bella woke up, she couldn’t help feeling gloomy. It was the first day of her new ‘job’. As if being a waiter was a proper job. She rather be the one baking the food rather than serving it. She hopped out of bed and walked over to the plain blue striped white dress with a sticker stuck on it that said “Hi! I am Bella, your waitress.” Bella rolled her eyes in disgust. She said to herself, ‘’how could I wear THIS?’’ She climbed out of her PJs and reluctantly pulled the waitress outfit over her head. She absentmindedly strolled over to the mirror and looked at her reflection. Her chocolate brown wavy hair was messy, her emerald green eyes and long lashes had bags under them, her face and skinny arms and legs tan from spending a lot of time outside, reading in the summer sun. She made a sour frown. Against her will, she stomped out of her room and downstairs, ready to face her cruel stepmother and sisters.
“BELLA!” barked her stepmother. “It’s your first day as a waitress and you come down the stairs, hair like a RATS NEST???” Scolded her stepmother. “Brush your hair, then go upstairs again and repaint your sister Amanda’s walls. She decided to use her walls as an easel. Although I’m so proud of her for being creative, it simply won’t do. Oh, and be sure to be done in an hour, because at that time I will be driving you to the restaurant.” ‘’Okay, fine’’ Bella muttered. Used to this kind of treatment, Bella trudged up the stairs again and miserably combed the knots out of her hair and walked to Amanda’s room, wanting to get everything over with. She went inside and with a bucket of white paint and big brush in hand, swiftly painted over the puke green and murky brown splashes and streaks of paint. Amanda was not a good painter, but her mother and twin sister Stephanie acted like she was Picasso.
In twenty-five minutes, she had the whole room looking good as new. That still left her time to bake at least cookies. She ran down the stairs and sprinted in front of the oven. Her second favorite place in the world, favorite her uncles cluttered but cozy cottage. She took her cookie cutter, flour, chocolate chips, and everything else you need to make chocolate chip cookies, and starting whipping up a storm. In fifteen minutes, she had unbaked chocolate chip cookies siding on a tray. She popped them in the oven and waited. And waited. And waited even more. Then, both at the exact same moment, the timer on the oven ran out and her stepmother’s recognizable, shrill, and sharp voice came from the entry room (her stepmother called it) to the kitchen, ‘’Bella,’’ she called’’ time for your new job!’’ She sang, clearly happy to have Bella out of the apartment. Bella tore off her apron and rushed down the hall and saw her wicked stepmothers hard, ice cold, steel gray eyes, glaring at her they were an hour late (which they were not) Stepmother turned and glided out the door. Bella followed her and hopped into the car.
In 15 minutes’ time, they stopped in front of a small diner named 27th street diner and bakery. Stepmother came to a stop. Bella new that this was her que to leave and hopped out of the car. She opened a rusty door, in need to be repainted and it creaked while opening. Bella came to see a deserted diner with lights out. She found a switch and turned on the light. She saw a floor littered of half eaten bacon and spilled orange juice stains. The booths were cluttered with stained napkins, knives, plates, water cups, syrup jugs, forks, spoons, and bowls. There was a door at the far corner of the diner. It was labeled JANITORS CLOSET. Bella knew was she needed to do. She dashed to the door, pulled it open, got a mop and a bucket of soap and water, 4 big trays, and a dustpan. She scooped the bacon of the floor with the dustpan (along with other foods) cleaned the stains of the tables and booths, and piled plates, bowls, glasses, forks, spoons, and knives onto the trays next to the Janitors closet was a door to the kitchen. She kicked it open with her foot, since her hand and arms were full. She found a sink and started washing dishes. “Hmm,” she thought to herself. “This isn’t so bad! No one’s here, so I don’t have to work, and… Oh! There are a few ovens in the corner, I bet those cupboards have frosting, flour, eggs, milk, sugar, and everything else, cause along with being a diner, it’s also a bakery….” She realized she finished the last plate and was washing it repeatedly. She put the plates away and got a little worried. “Why isn’t anyone here?” She muttered to herself. To take her mind off her worries, she decided to bake a vanilla strawberry cake, l anyone ever does get here. She got out the ingredients and bake. She baked so furiously and popped it in the oven so fast she didn’t even realize someone was standing in the doorway, watching her with great interest.
He was wearing an apron and a chef/baker’s cap. It was obvious he was the boss when it came to the kitchen. “Hi,” Bella said nervously. Wondering if baking without permission was allowed. “I’m Bella. Did I do something…um… wrong?” Bella quivered stepmother would not like it if Bella got fired on her first day. To Bella’s surprise, the man laughed. Wiping tears from his eyes he said “You really think I’m goanna fire you!” he asked “You are the BEST baker I have ever met! Anyone would be CRAZY to fire you! Besides, I’m not even the boss. I’m just the baker/chef. But, I’m goanna retire soon. Anyway, you must be my replacement! Nice to meet ya.” he said bringing out a hand. “Um, I’m not the replacement chef, sir. I’m too young. I’m just the waiter” “Oh. Well anyway, you like baking. Right?” “yes.” Bella answered timidly. “How many family members do you have?” What? Now this was getting weird. Bella answered “three” “PERFECT!” The man beamed. “Ummm… what’s this all about?” Bella asked “Oh, I forgot to tell you! You know the baking competition being held? “Yes”” Well, I have four extra tickets, so you can come with your family if you want!” “Really?” Bella stared at him in astonishment. Bella has only known 5 people in her life, and majority of those people are mean and cruel. Then the man handed her the tickets casually. Bella was puzzled and a bit suspicious, as if the man would snatch them back and start laughing, but to Bella, the man looked sincere. “Um…. are you really sure I should take these?” Asked Bella. “Of course! If anyone deserves them, it’s you! Anyway, it’s not even a work day. Why are you here? “My stepmother dropped me off.” “OK! But you best be going now.” And he ushered her out the door. Bella had a choice. Wait for 2 hours, or walk home. She chose the second option.
When she got home, she walked over to the makeup room. Yes. makeup room. That’s usually where stepmother is. She was right. Stepmother was there, putting on cherry red lipstick. Bella stood in the doorway, waiting for her to turn around. A few minutes passed, and stepmother finally acknowledged her. “What?” She snapped. Bella nervously walked a few steps and gave her stepmother the tickets. “Am I allowed to go?” Her stepmother grinned. Bella smiled and thought it meant yes.
It did not.
“Rats.” Bella thought. Why had she been so dumb? Of COURSE her stepmother would say no! She was as wicked as the witch of the west! She shaked her fists in frustration. She looked back at her stepmother. Hoping to see at least an ounce of guilt. Instead she saw an old woman smirking at her.
Even more angered, she stomped to her room and slammed the door. She kicked off her shoes, and started sobbing. In a few hours, she was out cold. She had cried herself to sleep.
She woke up and groaned. It was the day of the competition. And instead of her stepmother, stepsisters, and HER. She was going to be left alone. She looked at her watch. It was 9:00! They would be leaving now. Bella looked out the window, and saw the stylish back ferari leaving the driveway. She went down stairs and started watching a cooking channel on Food Network. She was halfway through an episode of Chopped and was interrupted by the sound of a door opening. A strange old lady wearing a cheap costume tiara barged in like she owned the place. Bella thought she was one of those crazy old ladies that own a thousand cats and get lost all the time. “Are you lost?” Bella politely asked. “No” The lady responded. “No mean to be rude, but what are you doing in my house?” “I’m your fairy godmother, for Pete’s sake!” The strange old lady cried. “Why are you looking at me like that?” She demanded. Bella had a list of why. “First, you are a creepy old lunatic who just broke into my house. Two, you are pretending to be a fairy godmother. The-” Bella stopped herself. At that point, she decided to call the cops and get rid of this old lady. She scurried over to the phone and dialed 91- “WAIT!!!!!!” the creepy old lady shrieked. Bella was startled and dropped the phone. Exasperated, Bella groaned and walked over to the lady. “What?” She questioned. The so-called fairy godmother started “You don’t believe me, do you? You think I’m a creepy and confused old hag who’s as looney as a monkey, do you think?” The ‘fairy godmother’ accused. Bella rolled her eyes. “Of COURSE I don’t believe you! Magic IS NOT real. I won’t believe it until I see it with my own two eyes! So, if you want me to believe in magic, then show me some!” Bella challenged. The fairy godmother person smirked, and with a gleam in her eyes, she said “Challenge accepted.”
At that moment Bella’s hair caught fire.
“AHHHHHHHH!!!” Bella screamed. “PUT IT OUT, PUT IT OUT, PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE!” Bella pleaded. “Not until you say these words: Magic is real, and so are fairy godmothers. Bella started crying, thinking she was Going to die. Bella didn’t want to admit it, but she needed this lady’s help. “OK,” She obeyed. “Magic is real,” Her voice wavered. “And so are fairy godmothers” Bella closed her eyes, and instantly the burning sensation erased from her body. Bella felt relieved. “Thank you!!” she cried. “Please don’t ever do anything like that ever again!” She begged “I believe you now, but shouldn’t you have fairy wings? Cause, you know, you’re a fairy godmother?” Bella asked. Bella instantly regretted what she asked, because the fairy lady had glaring at her, looking offended and angered “Surely you know that some fairy don’t have wings! That offends 6 million of the fairy population!” She exclaimed. ‘’Anyway, let’s get to work.’’ She said hastily. ‘’It wasn’t easy for my mother bibbity bobbity booing Cinderella to the ball, you know.’’ ‘’ wait, you actually think that you’re gonna bust me into that competition? This ain’t some free thing that you can stroll into, and it has a SECURITY SYSTEM. Bet those weren’t around in the 15th century. ‘’ Bella said. ‘’Well, you can’t expect to go the normal way can you?’’ ‘’What do you mean?’’ Bella asked. The fairy godmother grinned slyly. ‘’ Bella, Bella, Bella, your lucky dog. You are going backstage.
“WHAT?” I shrieked “You want me to go BACKSTAGE???!!!” I was in disbelief. “No, no, no, I’ll be caught, I’ll go to jail, definitely!!” I yelled “Are you CRAZY???” “Oh come on sugar honey, you’re forgetting a key detail, remember? I’m a fairy godmother. I do magic. So, come on now, let’s get to work”” Okay, okay, what do we do first?” “First, we gotta make you look like a true baker” She said, tapping my waitress dress, magically transforming into a professional chef’s jacket and apron, monogrammed with b, e,l,l, and a, spelling bella. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. This is WAY cool.” I said, impressed. “Now, we are going to change that pathetic headband of yours.” She flicked her wrist and my blue headband was a poofy chef’s hat. “Now, all we have to do is get you there. Do you have a form of transportation lying around?” She questioned. I was getting excited. Was she going to turn my bike into a car? I’ve always wanted one. “Yes, I have a bike” I said. “Good. You can hop on it and I will pretend to be you great aunt, visiting from Manhattan. I frowned. “You mean you aren’t going to do some awesome magic on my bike?” “That sucks. I want a better fairy godmother, like Cinderella’s fairy godmother. Your mom. She would give me a car.”
The fairy godmother sighed. “I don’t have time for your whining.” She said “Let’s go.”
“Wow. we’re here.” They were standing in front of a massive studio for Food Network. They were hosting the competition. Bella almost felt bad, sneaking in. “So…. How am I going to sneak in?” The fairy godmother grinned. “Leave that to me. Oh, and remember, it wears off after the competition is done. Right after” She turned and headed away.
A few seconds later, Bella was holding out her magic made business card and trying to convince the guard for backstage that she was a baker entering the competition. “Are you sure you are over 30? You look 16. And you are pretty short.” The guard, a woman named Melissa, asked suspiciously. “I. I’m a mimi. midget and… and…I..ju..ju..just l.. look this. Way.” She stammered “uh oh. I stammered hard.” Bella thought the guard wouldn’t believe her, but to her surprise, she did. “Phew!” She said as she walked inside. It was full of all sorts of baking equipment, and the floor was caked in flour and egg. There were rows and rows of cabinets with names like, chocolate, vanilla, spice, whipped cream, ETC. She stared in wonder at all the baking supplies “I must be in heaven” She thought. She was just strolling over to admire a delicious looking chocolate cake when a big, cold, hand grabbed her shoulder. “Hey, you” Said a burly man with sunglasses and a suit. Bella’s mind was racing. She was getting busted. She tried to brainstorm different excuses for why she was there, but came up with nothing. “Yes?” She said meekly, body shaking, as she looked up to the 6-foot guard. “The competition’s starting’. You should get on stage.” He turned and walked away. Bella’s face flushed with relief she shakily hobbled to the curtain and walked onstage.
It was amazing.
There were people in baker’s caps and aprons chatting happily, laughing every few seconds and smiling. Bella’s mouth dropped open in surprise. She always thought that opposing competitors were mortal enemies, she never, once in her life thought they were friends. She walked over to the judge booth. “Um, excuse me, I’m-” She was about to say lost, but one of the judges interrupted her. “You’re the new baker! The other one slipped and broke her arm, right! Ok, the competitions are starting in five minutes, so you better go to your station,” She said “It’s the one labeled ‘replacement’. Goodbye!” And she pushed Bella away.” “That was rude.”
Bella muttered under her breath. Just as she got back to her station, the rude judge ordered someone to open the curtain. “Oh no oh no oh no” Bella thought. She wasn’t ready! She was a kid, and everyone else were grownups! How could she do this? She was tempted to run offstage, but it was too late for that. The curtains opened.
Bella was sweating. Not because it was hot, (which it was) but because she was nervous. A very happy and kind looking man walked up to the audience. He was in a very expensive Italian suit. Bella took him as the host. “Welcome, welcome! To home viewers and fans watching live! We are on live, and today we are going to be baking Your Choice Cake! Baker’s, you have 3 hours on the clock! Only one can win! The prize is 10 million dollars! Ready, set, go!” Everyone had to think of what to bake first, but Bella knew what SHE wanted to bake: She would make a cake that looked normal vanilla, covered in white fondant and mini edible pearls, with fondant roses on top, but inside it would be a chocolate raspberry ice cream cake with real vanilla cake separating the two ice creams. Even if it would be hard to make.
Bella was lucky, because there was an ice cream making station. She grabbed all the raspberry and chocolate there was, and left to the cake ingredient section. She grabbed the flour, eggs, sugar, etcetera, and then got a whole bunch of fondant and edible pearls. She also got buttercream, so she could make sure that it would all stick together. She was paranoid that way. Bella dashed back to her station and furiously started baking a vanilla cake. It was the only way she knew how to make an ice cream cake. Make a vanilla cake, slice off the top and bottom, so you have a thin slice of the middle, get some ice cream, make it circle or square, attach the vanilla slice with buttercream to the ice cream, put another layer of buttercream on the other side of the vanilla, and attach a different or same flavor to the other side. Then cover it all with fondant, and attach that fondant with buttercream. After she did all that, she added the pearls all over, and worked on the fondant roses. Bella looked around. She expected to see many people finished, or for the host to come out and yell “Time’s up!” But most people were still baking, or even getting the ingredients! She checked the cock and saw that she had done it all in only an hour! She went over to the finished lounge, which was just backstage. She asked a judge if she could put the cake on the judges table, and she said OK.
Time flew by as she watched a few baking shows backstage, and read magazines. Soon, two hours had passed. Everyone went over to the judge’s desk, and the judges tasted the cakes. They had all of us go to tiny room so they could decide who would win.
In 15 minutes, they came back. They were about to decide the winner, and Bella felt a tingling sensation she remembered what the fairy godmother said. “You must leave when the competition is over” Bella had suddenly realized; the magic was wearing off! She could she her shoes starting to fade away, the tip of her apron vanishing… She fled from the stage and dashed out the fire exit. What she didn’t notice was that she ran so fast, her baking cap blew off her head.
Bella sprinted out the parking lot as she hopped on her bike and cycled all the way home. She pulled the door open and slammed it. She was huffing and wheezing, trying to catch her breath. She was back in the waitress dress, and she was still trying to catch her breath when she heard a familiar voice: “BRAT!! We’re back!!” She rushed upstairs and dabbed a few drops of soap in her eyes, to make them puffy and red she threw herself onto the bed and started to fake cry. Her stepmother strolled into the room and was satisfied. “Now, now, don’t cry, we only got to eat ALL OF THE CONTESTANTS CAKES!” She cackled. Bella faked a look of misery. Her stepmother smirked and left the room. Bella started crying again, but this time for real.
Meanwhile…
“Why is this baker so hard to find?” Asked the head judge in frustration. She had left behind this baker’s cap, and none of the bakers at nearby shops could have their head fit in it. He was ready to try some of the apartments.
Bella heard a few whispers and giggles. Something along the line of ten million dollars and pretend to be a baker. Was this about the contest? Bella decided to investigate. The host from the competition was standing in the doorway! “Oh, I am the mystery baker!” Lied Amanda “Oh no!” Crowed Stephanie “My cruel sister is just trying to steal the spotlight! I am the mystery baker! Now, give the prize to me.” “Now, now, girls. First you have to try on the hat!” Interrupted the host. Stephanie yanked it on her head, but it was too small. Amanda tried to keep it on, but it kept slipping to her shoulders. Bella tiptoed over to the host, shaking while her sisters glared furiously. “Um, can I try it on, please?” She asked timidly. The host smiled warmly. “Yes, dear, you shall.” He said. Bella nervously pulled it on. It fit! Bella beamed. The host laughed and clapped her on the back. “I believe I have found the winner of the competition” Amanda and Stephanie grouched and trudged up the stairs. Her stepmother, who had walked in, looked shocked. The host asked Bella if it would be okay if she picked up the present at the studio. Bella gladly accepted. Who wouldn’t?
EPILOGUE
Bella was happy. She had moved out of her stepmother’s house and move to a cozy apartment Cambridge, where she went to Harvard for college. (In case you were wondering)