Étoile Culinary Academy

Chapter 3

The gates of Etoile Culinary Academy towered above Aria like something out of a dream. She had visited the academy with her mother when she was much younger and it has been her dream to attend the school.

The academy looked better than it did years ago with many beautiful structures there. She didn’t apply as a freshman that wanted to start newly because she already knew all the basics. She applied for an extensive program where only six people gets accepted and gets paired with a very skilled chef as their mentor.

Aria inhaled sharply. Her new life was finally starting, all the past behind her. She could only hope that she’s not recognized as Beaumont’s daughter and that everyone treats her like a normal person. She stepped into the academy, her suitcase rattling behind her as she walked through the entrance. She had chosen to live on campus because her apartment only reminded her of Evan.

The campus smelled like fresh bread, herbs and polished wood. Students in white coats rushed past her. They were probably late for class.

Aria tightened her grip on her suitcase. “You belong here, Aria. You worked hard for this and you got the result fairly like everyone else.”

She looked at the pamphlet with her for guidance to the Administrator’s office. Unlike what she thought, the woman was quite young. She was tall and elegant, her brown hair pulled into a bun. She wore a suit and a warm smile on her face.

“Miss Beaumont. Welcome. Have a sit.”

Aria smiled nervously. “Thank you, ma’am.”

“I’m Celeste Rowan. They call me Madam Cee here, but you can call me aunt, just like old times” The woman said, kindly.

Aria frowned, confused.

Celeste paused, taking a closer look at Aria. “How do you look so much like your mother?”

Aria blinked, confused. “How do you know my mother?”

Celeste sighed. “I’m an Alumnus of the academy. Same set as your mother. She was the pride of our set then. I still remember when she brought you here.” Celeste noticed the sad look on Aria’s face and stopped talking.

“I’m so sorry, Aria. That was insensitive on me.”

Aria shook her head. “No. I’m just glad that I finally meet someone that can talk to me about my mother since my father has refused to talk about her.”

“Right. Edmund. Still as stubborn, isn’t he?” Celeste smiled.

“Just ask me if you’re curious about anything, okay? I’m glad to see you. Submit your acceptance letter, go drop your luggage in your dorm and head to the hall. It’s almost time to address the newbies.”

Aria submitted it and stood up, ready to leave. “Thank you… Aunt.”

“Aria.” Celeste called and Aria looked back.

“You might have a hard time here if people find out your background, they’ll judge you and make you feel like you don’t belong here just because of your family name. But I want you to know how skilled you are. You aced the application exam that’s why you were accepted here. So, don’t feel any less, okay? Just like your mother, people will get to know how amazing you are. So be sure to show them that you can do it, okay?”

“Okay. Thank you. I was worried about that myself. I’ll be sure to work hard.” Aria said, her heart filled with happiness. Finally, someone who gets her.

“Just tell me if you have any issues, okay? Now run along. See you in the hall.”

Aria nodded and went to her dormitory. It was just like an apartment, big enough for two people to live in comfortably. Aria used the key card to open the door and stepped in. The room looked cozy and one side was already decorated, all purple. Aria realized that her roommate had already settled in and was probably crazy about color purple.

Aria went to her side of the room and sat on the bed, taking the view of school from inside the room in.

“Oh, Hi! You’re here.” A voice spoke, startling Aria so much that she screamed.

“I’m so sorry for startling you. I walk very lightly so most people don’t hear me coming. That’s my only bad habit.” The lady said.

Aria finally looked at her and her love for purple was not only in decoration. Her curly hair was dyed purple, she had purple colored lens too and she was wearing purple pajamas.

“Hi, I’m Maureen Purple.” The lady said, stretching her hand for a handshake.

“Huh?” Aria said without realizing. “Sorry…huh, I’m Aria… Aria Beaumont.”

“It’s okay. My surname is really Purple. I think that’s how I got to like the color. Fits me, doesn’t it?” Maureen said, a smile on her face.

“Hmm. It does.” Aria said, warming up to her.

ALL STUDENTS SHOULD GATHER AT THE AUDITORIUM IN FIVE MINUTES

The voice from the sound system interrupted their bonding session and they both left the room in a hurry.

They reached the auditorium and a whole lot of students were there, waiting for the administrator. Aria and Maureen joined the other students and sat down.

A while later, Celeste Rowan climbed up to the stage to address all the students. Students cheered as she took the microphone.

“Welcome to Etoile Culinary Academy” Celeste started, a big smile on her face. “Welcome to the biggest culinary academy in the country. Your acceptance here, means you’re one of the best there is out there. Congratulations to everyone of you here. And to our returning students, congratulations on not getting cut off from the program, I’m sure it’s been a long and hard journey. Keep up the hard work.”

Everyone clapped, while some whispered among themselves, probably reminding themselves the need to work hard so as to graduate.

“Now, to our special six. The only six students of extensive class that the academy accepts every five years. Congratulations and welcome. The moment you all have been waiting for is here. The moment where you all get your mentors. I’ll be calling your names and the names of your mentors, so come out when you hear your name.” Celeste announced.

It was truly the moment everyone was waiting for. Everyone gets to see the most famous chefs in the country. Aria’s heart beat fast in anticipation. She just wanted a mentor that she could really learn from. The best of the best.

“I really want Chef Lila to be my mentor. She’s really awesome. Her favorite color is purple too.” Maureen said, cutting off Aria’s thoughts.

“Going with Chef Marcelo is Matteo Grayson” Matteo came out from the audience and the chef came from the backstage, while everyone clapped.

“Woah, he’s so good-looking. He got a good-looking chef too. They’re a good fit, right, Aria?”

Aria nodded, absentmindedly.

“Chef Lila with Maureen Purple.” Maureen jumped and screamed in excitement and Aria smiled as she watched her run to the stage.

“Chef Hana with Simon Park.”

“Chef Silas with Priya Menon”

“Chef Adeline with Sofia Russo”

“And finally, Chef Leon Cordon with Aria Beaumont.” Aria stood to go out, but noticed the applause reducing. Did people already recognize who she was? Was this the beginning of her problems? But that wasn’t it. She heard some people whispering.

“She got Leon Cordon. What a pity, doesn’t that mean she’d have to drop out or wait for five years? No one has ever succeed in bringing him back to the academy ever since he left.”

Aria’s heart dropped as she mounted the stage. She prayed hard for what they said to be false, that the Leon Cordon would appear from the backstage like the other chefs but he didn’t. Everybody looked at her and she felt deeply embarrassed.

After the ceremony, everyone left, whispering to each other. Celeste came to her and held her shoulders.

“It’s okay, Aria. Names are chosen at random and yours happened to be linked with Cordon’s. The academy is trying really hard to bring him back but it’s part of your duty to get your mentor to teach you too. I’ll send his details to your room later, so don’t feel sad. I know you can bring him back.”

Aria inhaled sharply, now determined. This was her chance to prove herself to everyone, so that when they find out who she really is, they won’t judge her.

“Leon Cordon. Be prepared. I’m coming for you.”