Aunt Rita went to Erica and kissed her forehead "you did excellently well my dear, now whatever you say that's what we'll have for dinner". Erica smiled at her aunt "miss Erica see you on Wednesday and make sure you come prepared". "Yes sir". James left.
Rita and Erica went home and they had a feast of meal. "Aunt we really shouldn't do this cause I've not yet won the competition." "Don't worry dear, this is to encourage you to do more". "Erica I must accompany you on Wednesday." "Yes as long as you don't have much work to do at the office.
Edison and James got home "Do you see brother contestant number seven is the best".
"Then why did you give her a six?". "Because she deserves it, the bet is still on."
Elizabeth came in and James hugged her "mom who was your favourite contestant". James asked. "Number seven, no matter what Edison did to her, she still won 25 points". "Both me too". Sarah said. Sarah was their cousin from their fathers side.
"Oh my Sarah you're here." James said and rushed to hug Sarah. Sarah was sixteen years old.
"Brother James I'm with you not brother Edison who gets fun in picking on people totally not my favourite." Sarah said.
"You all have hopes that no.7 will win right?" Edison said.
"Yes." they all said in unison.
"Then we'll see about that."
"Brother no matter what you do don't make her cry she's my damsel in distress." James said and Edison left.
Erica was walking around town reema had gone to work she was all alone again.
An old woman was trying to cross the road and Erica helped the woman she held the woman's hand and together they crossed. "Thank you my child and God bless you." Erica smiled, "be careful ma." the old woman nodded.
"Why do I feel good today." Erica went to an ice cream vendor and bought ice cream a little girl came to her"miss can I please get one." "Yes sure ." Erica purchased one more ice cream for her " Thank you miss." The little girl ran away and Erica smiled again. She took out her phone and sat on a bench she went on social media and searched on Edison she was baffled at the success he made "No wonder he has big ego his ego is as heavy as a rock." She looked at all his photos "He is very handsome too."
Erica slapped herself "No don't admire him, jerks should not be admired mr. Edison Hadley has just stepped on my toes and I can't wait to show him that I too am hot headed and stubborn, tomorrow is another day God help me please."
MAIN COMPETITION DAY 1
"Don't forget your ID card Erica because without it you cannot get in." Reema said.
"Yes ". Erica took her bag too.
"Now shall we." Reema said and they left to the venue of the main competition.
Edison was in his room he knotted his tie while smiling at the mirror "Miss Erica, Miss Erica it'll be fun seeing you today."
The judges announced themselves again, Erica didn't look at Edison at all but all his attention was on her. He spoke "contestants today you will be preparing a meal that contributes to human health one that is recommended by doctors to a sick person you will be picking your ingredients yourself." The ten contestants nodded.
"You have five minutes to pick your ingredients your time starts now." Everyone rushed to the shelf. Erica was slow in her pace she was thinking of what to prepare then an idea struck her head. "Vegetables, vegetables are good for blood formation I'll make vegetables." Erica went to the shelf and fortunately for her no one had picked the vegetables that she needed but there was a problem, they were out of rice and without rice you couldn't eat the vegetables Erica went over and raised her hand.
"What." Edison asked "sir we are out of rice."
"What do you want me to do."
"Provide another rice." Everyone were done picking their ingredients. "Miss Andrew it seems you are the only one having a problem everyone's ingredients are complete."
"Don't worry we will provide rice for you just continue your cooking." James interrupted. Edison looked at him.
"You have an hour to prepare the food your time starts now." Judge Elena said.
"Vegetables don't take a lot of time to prepare even five minutes can prepare it but I have to make it extra tasty and appetising and I have to add side dishes to make it more fun to eat because not everyone likes eating vegetables." Erica began preparing her food Edison was about to stand up when James stopped him.
"Why don't you leave her alone stop distracting her."
"I'm the chief judge here so I do what I want."
Edison stood up and went to other contestants asking them what they were preparing and also complimenting them. Erica was the last he went to.
"Miss Andrew what are you preparing for us."
"Vegetables with tomato sauce and minced meat."
"What a nice suggestion for someone's health and what do you think they give to the body in terms of health conditions."
"Blood. Most people lose blood during an accident or another incident so eating lots of vegetables will make the person regain blood."
"I see you are slicing tomatoes that is not how to slice it I can show you."
Edison went over to her and from her back he held her hand and together they sliced the tomatoes.
Erica was feeling uncomfortable. "Sir" She managed to say "I can do this on my own I'm not handicapped."
"But I'm only helping you."
"Thanks sir I don't need your help you can go and help someone else." Edison was still holding her hand "you should be wanting me to help you."
"No sir I don't need your help."