Week 33: rich EYE ON THE PRIZE by Sheryl Gwyther Clara hears the sniggering whispers from a gaggle of girls in front of the town hall. Their latest taunts at school still hurt deep inside, but what do they know anyway. All that matters is entering her rich, dark fruit cake in the Killarney Show. It’s taken months of nagging Granny Mesh for the treasured recipe. This year, the old lady relents. ‘A pinch of this and a pinch of that.’ Gran says with a toothless grin, ‘then stir in a swig of French Armagnac, with love. And keep your eye on the prize.’ It isn’t prize money Gran means, although the $100 would be good. It’s all about baking the perfect cake. The girls’ taunts echo in Clara’s ears again. Multiple question: Why can’t Clara Mesh get a boyfriend? A: she’s a fat cow. B: she’s boring. C: she’d rather make cakes than kiss a boy. D: all of the above. Correct answer: D. Clara hurries past the girls, her head down. ‘Clara Mesh wants to kiss the new boy.’ Giggles again. ‘He’s not interested in you.’ ‘Join the CWA!’ Louder giggles. A fifteen-year-old joining the Country Women’s Association? The biggest insult of all. The girls follow Clara into the town hall. They’re right about one thing. She does like the new boy in town. Blue eyes, dark hair, olive skin, a great smile, and a voice you could listen to all day. Clara snorts at her silly thoughts and joins the crowded display tables. Eight rich, dark fruit cakes on their stands, each sliced in half, each numbered. They all looked the same. Which one is hers? The Mayor steps to the microphone. ‘Welcome to Killarney Show’s highlight event, the judging of the Rich Dark Fruitcake. This year, we’ve snared the services of a new judge; someone whose expertise in cake judging makes him a favourite at Sydney’s Easter Show.’ The Mayor waits for the clapping to subside, then reads the judge’s comments... ‘Entry #8. This cake’s dark, rich colour reflects the rich flavour of the cake. It’s firm, with a smooth texture. Fresh and moist. A well-ripened patina on top. Free of bumps, cracks and hollows. The fruit is evenly distributed. Proof of a great cake is always in its eating – this one benefits from a touch of the exotic, perhaps Armagnac from the south of France that lingers on the tongue. A beautiful cake. Top score: 10/10.’ ‘And the winner is… Clara Mesh!’ The Mayor beckons and Clara stumbles to the stage, joy in her heart. The Mayor waves someone to the microphone. ‘Introducing our mystery judge… the youngest professional cake judge in Australia… James Brandon.’ Clara turns and her cheeks flare pink. Blue eyes, dark hair, olive skin and a voice you could listen to all day. ‘You’re from school, Clara Mesh.’ James Brandon’s cheeky grin shines. ‘Doing anything tonight? We’ve got a cake to eat.’ © Sheryl Gwyther 2014 482 words
Posted on: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 11:04:24 +0000
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