The competition was fine. As expected, really. Different people had come up with interesting projects, even a fancy knee brace to heal sports injuries. That was the winning entry. The team from the other school made it all come together quite nicely, with some 3D penned parts.
Our project, as seen in the previous journal log, is a robotic arm. The shoulder joint simulates a human ball-and-socket, and various small hinge joints made up the elbows and wrists. The remote control had different functions, such as rock-paper scissors, high-five, handshake and other inbuilt hand movements.
Knowing my father, he had equipment and old parts lying around - just stashed in the attic after his death, imported straight from his office.
We decided to 'borrow' his things, because let's be real - nobody has a 3D printer just sitting around in the house. And I highly doubt going to the lab (calling in a favor from Aurelia) would be a good plan... in HER contest.
Speaking of her, she looked pretty quiet all day, just writing in her clipboard. This is the first time I saw her in two years or so. The last time was at Dad's first anniversary but I avoided her like my life depended on it.
Her blonde hair looked a bit less saturated, giving her a more mature look. Her hair was tied up into a messy bun, held effortlessly by a claw clip - a sign she developed most of her fashion sense in the mid to late 20s... like my own parents did.
In case anybody's wondering, I won't ever see Aurelia as my mother. I wasn't raised by her at all. She doesn't even know me as her clone! She only knows me as her dead colleague's daughter.
***
After all the presentations were done, we gathered in the auditorium for the results announcement. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, every team hopeful yet nervous. I could see the judges conferring with each other, making their final decisions.
As the head judge - Aurelia herself stepped up to the podium, the room fell silent. "Thank you, everyone, for your incredible efforts and impressive projects. But before I get into the results, there is a special announcement I would like to make regarding the competition." She paused for a moment, then her gaze met mine for a second.
I glanced at Archie, who gave me a reassuring smile. My heart was pounding in my chest, but I kept my face neutral, as always.
"This competition has been organized as per the dying wish of my colleague and friend, the late Dr. Lead Carbon. He admired children very much. One time, he was asked to judge a school science fair for an elementary school. After getting back, he talked to me about it all the time. He believed that every child has a spark inside them, whether it's science, sports, arts, music... you name it."
She then looked at me, and there was no hope of denying it. Aurelia continued, her voice steady and reverent. "Dr. Carbon... he was a visionary, a man who believed in the limitless potential of young minds. This competition is not just about showcasing talent; it’s about nurturing that spark and encouraging you all to pursue your passions."
She paused, scanning the room, and for a moment, her gaze lingered on me. "He would be incredibly proud of each and every one of you here today, for your dedication, creativity, and hard work. As we announce the winners, remember that this is just the beginning of your journey, whether you walk home with an award or not."
I could feel the weight of her words, especially being his daughter. The room was charged with anticipation as she moved on to the awards. The third place team had done well, with a water purification system. Judging by their looks, they're nice enough. They might be good friends if we end up in the lab with them.
She continued, "In second place, we have Aura Ozone and Archer Charcoal from Eastwood High with their robotic arm project. Well done!"
I felt a surge of relief and pride as we walked up to the stage to receive our prize. Second place was an excellent achievement, and it meant we had won the week-long lab workshop. Archie beamed, and I could see the excitement in his eyes.
Finally, the judge announced the first-place winners—the team with the fancy knee brace. They deserved it, no doubt. Their project was impressive and practical.
After the ceremony, Aurelia approached us with a faint smile on her face. "Congratulations, Aura and Archer. Your project was truly impressive. I'm looking forward to seeing what you'll accomplish in the lab workshop."
Her words were polite, but there was an undercurrent of something I couldn't quite place. I nodded, maintaining my composure. "Thank you, Dr. Oxide. We're excited to participate."
As she walked away, Archie turned to me, still buzzing with excitement. "We did it, Aura! We're going to the lab!"
I forced a smile - something which for me, is a big thing. "Yeah, we did. This is just the beginning."
He frowned. "Something wrong?"
"No, nothing." I reply. "I just wonder what your sister will say."
"She's just jealous..." he shrugged, a smile on his face.
I raised an eyebrow. "Jealous? What’s that supposed to mean?"
Archie’s cheeks turned slightly pink as he fumbled for the right words. "Well, you know, Carly thinks I spend too much time with you. She says I talk about you all the time."
I blinked, taken aback by his honesty. "You... talk about me all the time? Okay, that's kind of weird don't you think?"
He scratched the back of his neck, clearly nervous. "Yeah, but I mean, you're my project partner, and you're really smart, and... well, I like spending time with you and............. I'm saying too much, aren't I?"
"If there's a lot to say, then you need to say a lot." I said jokingly. "Take a minute to think about what you're trying to say."
There was an awkward pause, and I could see him struggling to find the right words. I just watched. Let him think. "It's not just about the project," he continued. "I, uh, I kind of... like you. A lot."
I nodded, like any normal person. "Oh, okay. Yeah, you're actually pretty smart. You know," I elbowed his shoulder. "For my best friend's geek brother. You're a good friend actually."
"No... that's not what I- you know what? Never mind... it's all just dumb teenage feelings anyway."
It took me a moment to process what he was saying. Feelings... does Archie have a crush on me?
That's weird.
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