ALISHA'S P.O.V.

"That's incorrect." Ms Woods, the announcer for the second part of the competition relayed to one of the other contestants whom I think his name is Dean.

Sensing my opportunity, I pushed the buzzer and answered the question.

"Dopamine."

"Correct."

This round of the competition was hosted by the other school. When we were on our way here this morning, I was tempted to call sock and just stay in bed but I'm my better judgement, I decided against it.

Which is why we're here at Sipulvida high for the second round. So far,  it's been tougher than the first. Nobody wants to really get eliminated but unfortunately, two more of us would be eliminated in today's round.

The round went on. Question after question asked, buzzer after buzzer pushed. It's all led to this. The moment the four of us have been anticipating.

The funny thing about this is since we're only four and two of us are going to be eliminated, it could be any two. Zarha and I or the other two. To say my heart is in my mouth doesn't even begin to capture what I'm feeling at this point as Zarha is seated beside me and the other people are seated on the other side of the hall.

I think she noticed that I was loosing my nuts because she squeezed my hand and offered me a reassuring smile, albeit forced but it made me happy to know that she cared and I'm not the only one freaking out.

Quite frankly with all the drama that had unfolded the past couple of weeks, it's a miracle how we could still function properly but that's just how life is.  We have to keep going but having people  to take the journey with you makes it a whole lot less like a boring journey and more like an adventure around every corner. And every step we take, is a new surprise waiting for us.

"Will these two students make their way to the stage?"  the middle aged woman from the last round beckoned.

Dead silence. The moment of truth. What if we don't make it?

I'm freaking out!

"Ethan Summers and Dean Miller." The two boys sauntered up to her. I didn't miss the smug smirks on their faces as they passed in front of Zarha and I.

Cocky much?!

I think Dean even winked at me.

The nerve of some boys...

As they stood proudly on the stage, she continued.

"It's an honour for you to have made it this far..."

This is it. She's letting us down easy. Oh, the shame. I can't take it. I can't take it!

I lean over and whisper to Zarha. "I can't take it. Let's just get out of here while we still have the chance."

She rolled her eyes and smiled at me.
"It's not over till it's over so just listen."

I was talking deep breaths, trying to calm myself down.

"...but unfortunately, this is where the road ends for you two." the middle aged woman on the stage said.

The world stopped.

Did I just hear her right?!

To make sure my ears weren't deceiving me, I turned to look at Zarha. As always she looked calm and collected coupled with an evil smirk on her gorgeous face.

"Told ya. It's not over till it's over." She matter of fact—ly gloated.

"Please exit the stage. And can these two students come up on the stage? Zarha Alonso and Alisha Brown."

Dean and Ethan descended the stage, but not before Zarha and I, while walking to the stage— hand in hand if I might add, shot them smirks of our own.

Oh, joy...

"Congratulations. You two are our finalists. You've both made it this far but only one of you will emerge as the winner. The last round will take place next week at Winston high." she announced.

I couldn't help the smile plastered on my face. We've made it this far together and it feels amazing.

When I looked over at Zarha, she just pulled in for a hug.

"We made it." I said.

"Yeah, we did." she breathed. The whole hall came alive with applause. When we climbed down the stage, Jayden, Alessia, Anne and my mom were waiting up front.

"I'm proud of you. Both of you." My mom mused as she brought us in for a big hug after kissed our cheeks.

When she let us go, Anne and Alessia pulled us into a choking hazard of their own.

"You were amazing." Anne said.
"Seconded." Alessia, who was in tears agreed.

It took me a second to realize, I was in tears too and so was my mom.

"We are a really emotional family." I laughed.

"That, we are. That we are." Alessia said, sniffling and wiping her tears.

When they were all done, I turned to look at the boy who stole my heart. Beautiful as ever, a happy smile on his face.

In a swift move, He pulled me into his arms and placed a kiss on my temple.

"I'm so proud of you."
"Thanks."

"Alright. Alright, let's get going. Wrap it up." my mom cut in as we disentangled. We all laughed.

We were really beat and school was already over by the time we left Sipulvida so Jayden took us home. My mom, as usual,  went back to work.

"Who wants to go shopping for prom?" Zarha asked.

We all looked at her like she had grown a third head.

"How can you suggest that right now?" I deadpanned as I finished off my mac'n'cheese.

"Not right now. I mean over the weekend." she rolled her eyes.

"I'm not going anymore. Y'all have fun. " Alessia deadpanned.

"What? Why?" we all asked at the same time.

"I don't feel like anymore."she said.
I noticed that something —though, I couldn't put my finger on it— changed since Zarha brought prom up.

I knew she didn't want to talk about it and I wouldn't force her.

"It's okay. If you don't want to go, we won't force you." I reassured and she smiled. A small smile.

Now something is really wrong. Alessia doesn't give small smiles. She's always full on grin. I wouldn't forget her but I just hope that whatever it is, she'd be able to share with me when she's ready to.

We all agreed. Quite frankly, it was better sooner than later because I would need all the help I could get. And considering Jayden had already suggested it before now, it would be just fine.

"Yay!" Zarha squealed.

ZARHA'S P.O.V.

Alisha and I are the only ones left in this thing. Everything about today was epic but what hit me the most were those two guys from the other schools.

One actually had to he nerve to wink at us. I wasn't really sure if Alisha noticed because she was too just freaking out and suggesting we should leave before we face the shame.

The biggest shock to me was that they were the ones who got eliminated. I'm not usually the public display of affection type but I just couldn't help it today.

Everything that happened just makes me all the more grateful for Alisha in my life and I can't even remember why it I used to find joy in tormenting her in the first place when she's such a beautiful person. Inside and out.

Since it was already agreed that we were going to shop for prom that weekend. I put my mind at ease. Speaking of prom, I didn't even have a date.

Sure, everyone expects me to be in a relationship with the QB or some football player like in all the books and movies but that has never really been me.

I don't need a boy to make my identity. I want to find out who I am, by myself. I am want to explore what I want and who I want to be.

Is that too much to ask?...

JAYDEN'S P.O.V.

Did he just wink at her?

I might have to teach a dick a lesson.

Luckily, I didn't have to do anything. He got eliminated.

Thank you Karma...

Alisha and Zarha are in the finals. I'm really happy for them. They way they hugged each other on stage, some people may think they bat for team D but fortunately, we know better.

I was so happy for Alisha and proud of her actually. Mostly I was just happy. Happy she's mine.

When I dropped them all at Alisha's house, I went home, did a quick workout at the gym and took a well deserved shower.

The thought of out graduation speech crossed my mind. I let out a sigh.

I knew I would have to get around to writing it but the thing is, I didn't know where to start.

Stretched across my bed, thoughts going through my mind. Mostly occupied by one person and the fact that hers and her younger sisters birthday was coming up in a few weeks and we —we being Zarha, Anne and myself— would have to plan  something.

And seeing as she was going to be spending the weekend before her birthday with me, it wouldn't be hard to do that.

But for now, prom shopping and as said before, I don't do tuxedos and highly over priced shoes on a normal day so I'd need all the help I could possibly get.

Getting tired of looking at the ceiling, I picked up laptop and searched for birthday party ideas.

Lord, help me...

A/N:

Sorry guys, this is a really short chapter but its only the first half of the whole chapter.
So please bear with me.

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