As fate would have it, an elementary school competition was announced, with schools from all over the city participating. Alyssa's new school and JoeGad's school were both registered to compete.
Alyssa was thrilled to learn that she would be representing her school in the competition, and she immediately began to prepare. She practiced her math skills, studied hard for the science portion, and even joined the school's choir to perform in the talent show.
Meanwhile, JoeGad was also preparing to represent his school. He was determined to win first prize and make his parents proud.
As the day of the competition approached, the excitement grew. Alyssa's mother and JoeGad's parents were all planning to attend, along with their school mates, including Tiffany.
On the day of the competition, the auditorium was packed with parents, teachers, and students. Alyssa and JoeGad both looked nervous but determined as they took their places at their respective school's tables.
As the competition began, Alyssa and JoeGad both performed well, answering questions correctly and showcasing their talents. But despite their focus on the competition, they couldn't help sneaking glances at each other.
Tiffany, who was sitting in the audience, noticed the exchange of glances and felt a pang of jealousy. She had been trying to get JoeGad's attention for weeks, but it seemed like he was still hung up on Alyssa.
As the competition came to a close, the judges announced the winners. Alyssa's school took first prize in the math portion, while JoeGad's school won first prize in the science portion.
But the biggest surprise came when the talent show winners were announced. Alyssa's school choir, with Alyssa as the lead singer, took first prize, and JoeGad was awarded a special prize for his outstanding performance in the competition.
As Alyssa and JoeGad accepted their prizes, they locked eyes, and the audience erupted in applause. It was clear that the competition had brought them closer together, and that their feelings for each other were still strong.
But as they walked off the stage, Tiffany approached JoeGad, a smile plastered on her face. "Congratulations, JoeGad," she said. "You were amazing out there."
JoeGad smiled back, but his eyes were still fixed on Alyssa, who was walking away with her parents. It was clear that his heart still belonged to her.
As Alyssa walked off the stage with her parents, she was beaming with pride. She had won first prize in the math portion and had also led her school's choir to victory in the talent show.
But her mother's expression was not as joyful. "Alyssa, I'm proud of you for winning the math portion and the talent show," she said, "but I'm disappointed that you didn't win the science portion too."
Alyssa looked down, feeling a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry, Mom," she said. "I studied really hard, but I guess I didn't do well enough in science."
Her mother sighed. "Alyssa, you're a bright girl, and I know you can do better. You need to focus more and work harder if you want to achieve your goals."
Alyssa nodded, feeling a bit deflated. She had been so happy about her wins, but now she felt like she had let her mother down.
JoeGad, who was standing nearby with Tiffany, noticed Alyssa's disappointed expression. He excused himself from Tiffany and walked over to Alyssa.
"Hey, congratulations on your wins," he said, smiling. "You were amazing out there."
Alyssa smiled back, feeling a bit better. "Thanks, JoeGad," she said. "You were great too."
JoeGad nodded. "I'm just glad I could make my parents proud," he said. "But I have to say, I'm a bit disappointed that we didn't get to spend more time together today."
Alyssa's heart skipped a beat at his words. She had been thinking the same thing.
"I know what you mean," she said, smiling up at him. "Maybe we can study together again soon?"
JoeGad's face lit up with a smile. "I'd like that," he said.
As they stood there, smiling at each other, Alyssa's mother cleared her throat. "Alyssa, we need to go," she said. "We don't want to be late for dinner."
Alyssa nodded, feeling a bit reluctant to leave JoeGad's side. But she knew she had to go, so she said goodbye to JoeGad and followed her mother out of the auditorium.
As they walked out of the auditorium, Alyssa's mother couldn't help but notice the exchange between Alyssa and JoeGad. She saw the way they smiled at each other, and the way Alyssa's eyes lit up when JoeGad talked to her.
She felt a pang of concern and disappointment. She had thought that transferring Alyssa to a new school would put an end to her daughter's friendship with JoeGad, but it seemed like that wasn't the case.
"Alyssa, I need to talk to you about something," her mother said, as they walked to the car.
Alyssa looked up at her mother, curious. "What is it, Mom?" she asked.
Her mother hesitated, unsure of how to bring up the subject. "It's about JoeGad," she said finally. "I know you two are still friends, but I want you to be careful around him. I don't want you spending too much time with him."
Alyssa looked down, feeling a familiar sense of frustration. "But Mom, JoeGad is my friend," she said. "I like spending time with him."
Her mother sighed. "I know you do, sweetie. But I'm just trying to protect you. I don't want you getting hurt."
Alyssa nodded, feeling a bit more understanding. She knew her mother was just trying to look out for her.
"Okay, Mom," she said. "I'll be careful."
Her mother smiled, feeling a bit relieved. "That's all I can ask for, sweetie," she said.
Her mother had never been harsh on her about anything. It has just been just her and her mother since she was a baby. She doesn't know a thing about her father. Each time she asked, she wasn't given a definite response. So she stopped asking.