Romano and Lorelei rushed in just as most parents had already settled into their seats.
Panic flashed across Romano's face. He turned to Lorelei, extending his hand urgently. "Hand it over, Lorelei. I need to get this submitted now."
They'd cut it way too close. Lorelei had mentioned some last-minute issue with the project that needed fixing.
Romano had waited around for her, which explained their delayed arrival.
If he didn't deliver it immediately, the teachers would mark him as a no-show and skip his entry entirely. All his hard work would be wasted, no matter how impressive the final result.
Lorelei clutched the elegantly wrapped package, guilt gnawing at her. "Look at your bruised hands, Romano. Maybe you should rest while I handle the submission?"
Romano had complete faith in Lorelei. He simply pointed toward the submission area before heading off to locate his seat.
Lorelei stared down at the store-bought space capsule in her grip, doubt creeping in.
