Gastronomy
One would think that the science of food wouldn't be a difficult subject — that you'd just have to prepare a couple of dishes and you'd pass the course. That's a complete lie: in gastronomy they make you study much more than just the recipes.
If I had known that gastronomy was as complicated as it really is, I would have chosen a different profession to help with the family business.
In the gastronomy course they force you to learn the different measurements for each area and how to calculate them. They give you an intensive course on hygiene and the problems that can arise from neglecting it. And, as if that weren't enough, you also have to have a fairly broad knowledge of chemistry so you don't accidentally poison your customers.
The number of topics that fall under the authority of gastronomy is absurd, and the worst part is that technically I'd have to study a whole new branch: the one that consists of cooking nightmare beasts. Something that will be expected of me — a future chef and… a future awakened.
All that future study drains my will to live and makes me ask: why is life so complicated? Couldn't it all be a little easier?
—Reconsidering the decisions in your life?—Moments like this also bring up questions, the main one being: why do I hang out with this bastard?
—Remind me why I'm still talking to you?
—Maybe because I'm the most informed person you know, and without me you'd be lost in the world.—Yes… that was a good reason to keep talking to him. The gossip was too good to resist.
—And Vanesa?—I asked so I wouldn't have to look at the only person who might find Teo even remotely handsome.
—Did you forget they live in the middle of nowhere?—There's something about that question that doesn't sit right.
—Don't you literally live next to her?
—Yep, but I was more or less nearby when the news arrived. That makes me different.
—Then why are you dressed like that?
—Reasons.
—And those reasons would be…?
—Something I don't want to share, specifically with you.—Okay, now that's interesting.
—Did you get a girlfriend?
Obviously he hadn't gotten a girlfriend. He had been in love with Vanesa for the past three years; it was almost impossible for him to suddenly get a girlfriend. And if it were Vanesa, she would have told me immediately. Not to mention how unlikely it was that he, of all people, would get a girlfriend.
—What? No, Vanesa would kill me if I suddenly got a girlfriend.
—As long as it isn't Vanesa.
—As long as it isn't her. —I answered, acknowledging the reality of the situation.
To be honest, the relationship between Teo and Vanesa was one of the most interesting aspects of our friendship. They both liked each other, and damn it, everyone knew it, but for some reason they decided not to make it official and stayed friends a bit longer.
Once they were both asked why they didn't become a couple. Strangely, they both told me that it wasn't yet time for that kind of relationship between them.
—So what kind of "formality" are you demanding?
—You won't convince me to tell you... Tinkerbell.—How dare you call me that knowing what I know?
—Teodoro Gransvi Forch.—His face contorted with an indescribable pain at hearing his full name — something I don't feel guilty about at all; after all, he started this. — What forced you to put on those clothes and go so far from home if it isn't to congratulate me?
—Even if you use my name against me, I won't tell you anything.—Oh, Teo... you're forcing me to do things I don't want to do.
—I'll tell Vanesa what you did on July 8th.
—You wouldn't dare; that would break the trust in our friendship.—Are you testing me?
—You're the one breaking the trust by not telling me in the first place.
—You swore you'd never tell.—Alright, it won't be long before I reveal it.
—I never said it, but that could change. I thought you'd like to know.
—Asha came back to visit with Sophia.—Now that's news worth celebrating.
Asha Priems, Teo's older sister, went to Antarctica to live her life and ended up marrying a respectable man. But he isn't the important part: the key thing is that they had a daughter, Sophia Priems. And so, they left Teo to suffer and gained a different last name. That's partly why I respect her so much.
Watching Teo's reaction when he found out was one of the best moments of my life. Unfortunately, he passed out from lack of air and couldn't stay conscious for long. But knowing that my favorite niece is coming to visit is enough to make this celebration worthwhile.
—Why didn't you want to tell me my favorite niece is coming to visit?
—Maybe because she isn't even your niece?—There he goes again with that.
—If she considers me her uncle, Evan accepts that I'm her uncle, and Asha loves that I'm her uncle, why do you have to go against it?
—Because I am her uncle. —Clearly, he's jealous that Sophia prefers me to him.
—Well, I think you're simply jealous that she likes me more.
—I hope you die from testicular torsion.—You wish me death at a party celebrating my survival? Okay, I can return the favor.
—And I hope Vanesa has sadistic tendencies and, if so, you can be sure I'll give her an iron-tipped whip.
—That's… oddly specific.
—You wished me dead at a party celebrating my survival. You deserve that.
Teo was about to "try" to destroy my argument when he noticed certain people approaching, apparently to congratulate me. They were my neighbors. I wasn't very close to them, but unfortunately I'd have to go greet them, so the conversation would have to end. Well, there would always be another chance to talk to Teo.
—See you later, Teo. I have other people to pay attention to besides you.
—Break a leg.—He "encouraged" me, raising a hand as a sign of support.
Teo was definitely a jealous bastard who couldn't conceive of the idea that Sophia might prefer me over him. Something that, unfortunately for him, was true. Sadly for him, of course. But let's leave that for later: the main thing now is to deal with the people who came to congratulate me.