There is no Competiton

I was still raving about the kiss in my head but struggled to hide it while I sat with Chris in the waiting room. I watched the competition from a screen, the contestants were given a prompt. Prepare a meal for your family. This round seems more casual than the others.

"You will still be graded on the appearance and their reactions so work hard for those bonus points." One of the judges announced, "Make sure to prepare enough for us to try as well as an explanation for your meal choice. Alright, begin." After that everyone left the range of the camera I was viewing. 2 hours later a dish was brought to our room, Cheese Steak subs topped with bell Peppers, Jalapenos, and Onions. With fries on the side. Did I tell him this was my favorite fast food item? I've never seen one prepared so well, the bread wasn't dented at all, and all 3 colors of bell pepper were used and it smelled wonderful. Chris and I were handed individual plates and I dug in immediately. I must've been starving because my eyes teared up and I took many bites before remembering I was on TV and needed to review the food. I put my sandwich down and drank some water.

"Delicious! I wish I could eat this every day!" I stated honestly, though I'd become as big as a whale if I did that. I wonder if he made this meal thinking of me or if he made it look so good for the judges. I miss having him cook for me every day. I miss how he'd never miss chances to tease me, or how he'd patiently listen to me rant about my problems... Even if I did gain 200lbs from living with him again... I wouldn't complain.

"Damn! Miguel went all out for us!" Chris stated. "Try the fries, Lemon!" I did as he suggested, What kind of seasoning did he use?! I can't imagine needing to dip these into anything.

"What the heck?! How are they this good?!" 

"Right?" Chris asked, the person who brought in our food had left so we finished our food and Chris even licked his plate and said, "So glad that I skipped breakfast."

"I wonder if Miguel will get any extra points, with our reactions and the presentation."

"Hmm... I doubt it, you were definitely overreacting with the tears." I gasped,

"I was being sincere! ... Is this... perhaps one of your favorite meals?" I inquired slyly. Chris shook his head,

"Not really, but I like it." Oh! thank goodness, that means he did make it for me! I'm not delusional. The round ended and Miguel was awarded 5 bonus points, because of our reactions and the presentation but the dish was still too simple compared to some others so it wasn't the biggest bonus. In between the rounds we were invited inside to see the contestants again. I lost myself and ran to hug Miguel as soon as I could and he responded by kissing me and smiling.

"Wow Lemon... you must have missed me." He commented.

"The meal was delicious!" He laughed and kissed me again,

"Glad you enjoyed it." He replied, nuzzling his nose on mine and hugging my waist. Chris cleared his throat so I released Miguel and then he rushed in to get a hug as well.

"Good luck, we'll be here cheering you on." He said and Miguel nodded.

"Yeah, just one more day." He looked at me and added, "It's a huge relief having you both here, I mean it." Then he let go of Chris, kissed me once more, before returning to the kitchen.

A new round began immediately where they were instructed to create a fine dining meal. They were given 3 hours to plan and prepare the food. We were allowed to watch from a soundproof viewing area. It felt like such a long time since I was just watching but, seeing Miguel again helped the time go by faster. After the time was up the judges came and tasted each participant's meal one by one and made comments while keeping their faces as expressionless as possible. The two best dishes were Miguel's and a woman named Carla. The rest of the contestants were dismissed, they hugged everyone and left tearfully. I met up with Miguel once the filming was done. His hair was still brushed back from his forehead which was slightly damp with sweat, and his honey-brown eyes were narrowed slightly as if he was thinking.

"Hey, you... want some company?" I asked softly, losing my nerve as soon as I asked. 

"I would... but we're not allowed to talk outside the studio." His reply made no sense because I didn't suggest leaving.

"We can talk in here," I replied and he sighed heavily,

"Come with me," I followed him after his request into a bright room with a couch. "where's Chris?" He asked once we were alone.

"He had a phone call and we split up." After my answer, he placed his hand on mine and intertwined our fingers.

"How've you been?" Miguel's question made me slightly mad,

"You know how I've been... awful... Just like before we got together." He squeezed my hand and I added, "But I don't care about that... I care about you, how have you been? Where have you been living?" Miguel stared at me silently, then said,

"My family owns a house near the campus... they were mad that I went missing for so long but kind enough to let me stay there. I lied and said I just went into hiding to be alone... they cussed me out, and my mom even cried... but they're okay with me being a chef now. And I have... been awful too..." My heart fluttered,

"Because of your family?" I inquired,

"No... it's probably for a similar reason, as you. I missed you, Lemon." I swallowed hard. Should I ask him now... to see if I finally guessed right?

"Hey Lemon I've been looking all ov... oh Hi Miguel.... am I interrupting?" He released my hand and stood up,

"No, I was just about to return to my room... but we'll talk more tomorrow," Miguel replied, he talked to Chris for a bit but I drowned out their conversation with my thoughts. I can't be wrong this time.

It was the day of the finals and the tension was killing me. Both Miguel and Carla had to prepare a 3-course meal, within 3 hours. They were given one assistant but even with the help they were running around constantly, having to cook multiple things and work on their desserts, appetizers, and main course all at once. It was entertaining watching him do so much, his dexterity and gracefulness astounded me so I couldn't pull my eyes away. After eating everything the judges deliberated on their decision for 20 minutes, this feels much more intense now than watching it on TV ever has. When they returned they announced the Winner was Miguel Rivera! The judges clapped and handed him a trophy, and one of them hugged him. They handed him a trophy, took a few pictures, and then stood with him holding up the trophy. After filming was done we were told we could all join our family members. I let Chris get first dibs on the hugs this time,

"I knew you were gonna win! Do we get to eat any of that stuff you cooked by the way?" Miguel laughed,

"I'll make it for you when we get back home." Then he looked at me and this time he was the one to rush and wrap his arms around me,

"Congratulations!" I felt him slip something into my back pocket afterward slapping my butt and I tensed up.

"Meet me in my hotel room tonight." He whispered, before letting me go. I blushed. I sure hope the mic didn't pick that up. After we separated I reached into my pocket and pulled out a note with the hotel name and room number... I'm sort of nervous... are we just going to talk or should I change into fancier undies? Chris asked to hang out again but I turned him down and said I'm staying in my room tonight... Miguel was secretive about inviting me over so I didn't feel right telling Chris where I was going, he shrugged and decided to go to a nearby club since I wasn't coming. I waited 10 minutes after he left before putting on a hoodie and sneaking away to see Miguel. When he answered the door he laughed at me and said,

"What the hell, why are you acting all sneaky?" Since I had pulled the hood down to hide my face from any cameras.

"Because this is a secret meeting!" I whispered, defensively. Then Miguel grabbed my wrist and yanked me inside, locking the door behind us. He let go of my wrist and then sat on the bed facing me.

"So... tell me what you found out since we've been apart." He stated, I took a deep breath and then took a few steps towards him before answering,

"I found her! The girl who... you were in love with before you died... it was me right?" My response seemed to surprise him slightly but then he smiled and pat the spot beside him on the bed. "I realize... I don't remember ever talking to you or even seeing you and everything relating to you except the accident... So... my memories were erased, weren't they? And you weren't allowed to help me too much... That's why you were vague all the time," That's when he stopped gesturing for me to take a seat and gave me a round of applause,

"Wow, I didn't expect you to figure that out too...Now, I feel bad for calling you dumb before." With each of his words, my heart pounded louder, "You're right, Lemon... I've been in love with you this whole time."