“Cut the carrots!!” Eloise screams to her sous chef.

Marilyn cuts the carrots and tossed them into the pot.

THREE

TWO

ONE

Eloise and Marilyn drop their knifes and let out a heavy breath.

*Pheww*

“We made it!” They both scream.

Eloise looks to her competitor and nods.

“Competitors! Meet tomorrow at 2 pm and we will begin our final battle but for now you may go home.” Judge McKlinger announces

Eloise says goodbye to Marilyn and stays behind to clean, her competitor does the same.

“So Max, what did you um did you make?” Eloise asks in awkwardly flirtatious way.

*Chuckle*

“Heh I made a brown butter ravioli with sage and walnuts.” Max said trying to mask the upcoming tears in his deep brown voluminous eyes.

Eloise’s curiosity floods her.

“Max, whats, whats wrong?”

“I heard one of the judges talking about what will be happening tomorrow.” Max says with his eyes staring dead at the floor.

“So??” Eloise asks.

“I love you and I hate myself for it.” Max confides.

“YOU WHAT!!!” Eloise exclaims happy but confused.

“Tomorrow we are not cooking we are fighting, to the death actually. Hehe what a plot twist!”

“What does that have to do with your love for me?” Eloise says trying to keep a straight face.

“I need the money! Without it my mom will die and it will be all my fault. Just connect the dots.” Max cries out.

“You are going to have to kill…..me.” Eloise whimpers.

“Yes, but I will always have that memory of you atleast.” Max sobs.

Eloise runs up to Max.

“I won’t let it happen.” Eloise comforts Max

Eloise grabs a chopping knife and sticks it in Max’s back.