Hiding Moon

Chapter 3: Part 1

"Unexpected Revelations"

CLYDE'S POV

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The following Monday, the school hallways buzzed with the usual chatter. As I walked to my locker, I spotted Sheilah talking animatedly with Kyle by their lockers. They looked completely absorbed in their conversation, and I felt a familiar twinge of envy. But this time, it was mixed with a different feeling-curiosity.

During lunch, I decided to take a different approach. I walked over to where Sheilah and Kyle were sitting and cleared my throat. "Mind if I join you?"

Sheilah looked up, surprised but smiled warmly. "Of course, Clyde. Pull up a chair."

Kyle gave me an encouraging nod. "Glad to have you. We were just discussing the upcoming science fair."

I sat down, trying to shake off my nerves. "Oh, cool. What's your project about?"

Sheilah's eyes lit up. "We're working on a model of sustainable energy solutions. It's pretty exciting."

I raised an eyebrow. "Sounds impressive. I've been thinking about doing something for the fair too. Maybe I could help out?"

Kyle looked intrigued. "Really? That'd be awesome. We could use another pair of hands."

Sheilah nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! We can use all the help we can get."

As the days passed, I found myself increasingly involved in their project. Spending time with Sheilah and Kyle in a different context allowed me to see a side of Sheilah I hadn't noticed before-her dedication and passion were truly inspiring.

One afternoon, as we worked in the library, Sheilah looked up from her notes and asked, "Clyde, why did you really want to join us for the science fair?"

I hesitated before answering. "I guess I wanted to get to know you better. I realized that I was wrong about you, and I wanted to make things right."

"I appreciate that, Clyde. It means a lot." Sheilah's expression softened.

The project continued to bring us closer. I started to understand why Kyle and Sheilah had such a strong bond-they complemented each other perfectly. Kyle's creativity balanced Sheilah's meticulous approach, and together, they made a fantastic team.

One evening, as we were wrapping up our work, Sheilah and I walked to the parking lot together. "So, what's been the best part of this project for you?" she asked.

I thought for a moment. "Getting to know you and Kyle better. It's been eye-opening."

Sheilah smiled. "Same here. I've enjoyed working with you."

As I got into my car, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Not only was our project coming together, but I was also building a genuine connection with Sheilah. It was different from the competitive rivalry we once had-it was a true friendship.

The science fair arrived, and our project was a hit. We presented our work with pride, and the positive feedback was exhilarating. Standing on stage, I realized that this experience had changed me. It wasn't just about winning or losing; it was about the people we meet along the way and the connections we make.

Later that day, as we celebrated our success, Kyle raised a toast. "To new friendships and the unexpected turns that make life interesting."

Sheilah and I exchanged a glance, and I knew we were on the same page. This was just the beginning of something new and exciting.

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