Chapter 53

"And by the way," he adds with a smirk. "You kids are welcome to hang out in my 'relaxation center'."

"No way!" Travis says as we look at each other excitedly.

"Now you're gonna let us hang out there? You didn't believe me earlier when I told you they were good people," Caleb says, folding his arms.

"I can see that, I'm sorry."

The presenters' faces appear on the screens and they inform everyone to return to their floors as the judges are about to announce the set of contestants that would make it to the next stage.

"Goodluck, to both of you," Mr. Daniels says, holding mine and Caleb's shoulders before leaving.

Caleb also leaves while I go to sit beside my invention. I stare at the empty space where Nathan's invention and seat were. I am now the only one participating from my school. I hope I make it to the finals. I glance at my friends and family and they give me encouraging smiles.

Everyone listens with bated breath as the presenters call