As the sun rises in New York, it was another typical day for every person living there. But for Conrad, this is the start of something exciting.
He wakes up by the sound of his alarm clock and the sun shining through his window. He sits down on the side of his bed, checks his phone, and realized that today is the start of something new. He starts to feel excited and goes out of his room to have breakfast before taking a shower.
He directly goes to the kitchen and makes a cup of coffee for him. But, as soon he was about to put some water in the coffee maker, he notices that there’s still water in there. Then he thinks that Alfred already woke up and probably went somewhere.
By the time he made his morning cup of coffee, he sits down by the dining table, takes a sip of his coffee, and opens his mental health journal. He starts to list out everything he’s grateful for and his plans for today and writes his entry for the day. While he writes his entry, Alfred com
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Conrad finished preparing for his first day of culinary school. He went out of his room, wearing his uniform, and using his brand new leather book bag that his Aunt Christy gave him. As Alfred saw him, he was amazed by Conrad’s readiness and matured look.“Tell me, are you really going to culinary school or are you starting working?” Alfred asked. “Because you look ready as ever.” He continued.“Thanks, I guess it’s in my genes to look ready as ever…” Conrad said. “By the way, how come your uniform looks… you know…”“A bit big…” Alfred replied. “Yeah, I noticed,” He said. “They didn’t have my size, and the next smallest size was too small for me, and this was my only choice.” He continued. “But the pants are a perfect fit though.” He continued.“Have you thought of altering it?” Conrad asked.&ldq
After the short break Chef Austin gave to his students, he goes back to the room and continues the judging starting with Alfred. He was fascinated by Alfred’s dish.“Tell me your name and explain your dish to me.” Chef Austin said.“I’m Alfred Santiago, and my dish right here is based on one of the famous Filipino delicacies which is the caramel tart,” Alfred said. “Just like Conrad did earlier, I also took a risk and modified it.” He continued.“And what modifications you did?” Chef Austin asked.“Well, instead of the usual caramel filling, I replaced that with a Dulce de Leche filling, topped with meringue with a salted caramel drizzle,” Alfred replied.“I see you also changed the shape of the tart.” Chef Austin noticed.“Well, since most caramel tarts in the Philippines were shaped like a boat, there was less space for me to put the Dulce de Leche fi
Thirty minutes have passed, and Conrad was still waiting for his father to arrive. He decided to call him, but it straightly went into voicemail. He starts to lose hope and decides to leave instead of waiting up for him. He walks up to his car, and suddenly his father is calling his name from behind. He turns around to see his father. To his surprise, he was catching his breath as if he ran. “Sorry to make you wait…” Scott said while he’s still catching his breath. “It’s fine, it’s only like thirty minutes of waiting,” Conrad said sarcastically. “Wait, did you come from inside the school?” He asked upon realization. “Yeah, I did…” Scott answered. “What did you do there exactly?” Conrad asked curiously. “I’ve just met up with one of my clients,” Scott answered. “That explains the reason why dad wants to meet me here,” Conrad said to himself. “Uhm, last question…” He said. “You never told me this yet, but what’s your job?” He ask
The next day, Conrad was laying down on his bed, thinking about his time with his father yesterday. It was great for him and his father to spend time together again. But after yesterday, he also thinks about forgiving him already. But, he thinks again and knew that it’s not yet time to forgive him.He takes his phone from his nightstand and looks at the pictures of him and Jaiden from their celebratory dinner. He thinks about when she’ll come back from Paris. Looking at the time, he realizes that he’s going to be late for culinary school.He rushes in changing his clothes and in fixing his hair. He puts his things in his bag and goes out of his room. He fills his flask with hot coffee while he waits for his two slices of loaves in the toaster. Once, it was done toasting, he immediately goes out of his apartment. As he rushes down the hall, he realizes that he forgot to lock the doors in the apartment. He goes back to the apartment, locks the door, and
Conrad, Alfred, and Olivia were hanging out in Skinny Pizza. They were eating pepperoni pizza with their own pasta dishes while drinking their favorite beverages, and talking to one another. “This place isn’t bad,” Conrad said. “Yeah, next time let’s explore the whole New York City so that we can find a better hangout spot,” Alfred said jokingly. “Can I just ask, is it possible that all of us aren’t from here?” Olivia asked curiously. “Like not living in New York.” She continued. “I think so…” Conrad answered. “I am from Philadelphia.” He continued. “While I came all the way from the Philippines,” Alfred answered. “Wait, you’re from the Philippines?!” Olivia said excitingly. “Oh, I always wanted to go there, was it like there?” She asked Alfred. “Full of great people, tourist spots, and food,” Alfred answered. “You haven’t gone there yet?” Conrad asked Olivia. “Not yet, since my parents are always busy with work
Conrad and Alfred had arrived back in the apartment building they’re staying in. Conrad let Alfred go to their apartment first since he needs to stop by Sir Hampton’s apartment to pick his unexpected package. Alfred went ahead while Conrad went to Sir Hampton’s apartment.While he’s walking to Sir Hampton’s apartment, he checks his phone to see who called him earlier while he was in a rush. He was surprised to see that Jaiden called him during that time. He wanted to call her back but, realizes that it might be past midnight in Paris since it’s a quarter to seven in New York time. She might be asleep already, and Conrad thinks that he might wake her up.He knocks on Sir Hampton’s door as soon as he arrives. The door opens and he was surprised to see a young blonde woman in Sir Hampton’s apartment. As far as he knows, Sir Hampton lives alone.“Hi, Uhm, is Sir Hampton around?” Conrad asked the young woman
It was a Saturday morning and Conrad was busy cooking. After reading Jaiden’s reply, he became excited and nervous at the same time. It’s been two years since their last talk and Conrad doesn’t know what to say to her. He’s also afraid that their virtual date might end up awkwardly and not romantic for the two of them.Alfred gets confused after seeing Conrad being busy in the kitchen.“I thought you guys will have a virtual dinner date together?” Alfred asked confusingly.“Alfred, don’t tell me that you forgot about Jaiden’s location…” Conrad said.“Oh yeah, she’s in Paris,” Alfred remembered. “So, what are you cooking there?” He asked curiously after smelling Conrad’s cooking.“Lasagna with a side of garlic bread,” Conrad answered. “And for dessert, Coffee Macarons.” He said as he showed Alfred a tray of finished macarons
Conrad finished cleaning up from his virtual date. He changed into a grey polo shirt so that he can move freely when they will practice baking. Joining Alfred and Olivia’s discussion, he’s surprised that they haven’t come up with anything yet.“Conrad, thank goodness you’re here,” Alfred said in relief. “Olivia and I can’t come up with something.” He continued.“Really, you guys don’t have a single idea on what bake this coming Monday?” Conrad asked.“Well, Olivia had one, but then she won’t tell me what it is,” Alfred said.“Because it’s a bad idea,” Olivia said.“I’m sure it’s not that bad,” Conrad said. “Maybe that idea will be great.” He continued. “C’mon, you can tell us whatever idea you have.”“If you say so…” Olivia took out a small bottle from her bag, ma