After years of winning regional math competitions, Mandy´s team got pretty good at it. They worked like a gear operating at full speed. It was nice to watch them. The team was called Mathemaniacs, and they had t-shirts and caps with this logo.Even so, Professor Jackson got surprised when they classified for The National Mathematics Competition.Not because he didn´t admire and tutor these youngsters capacities, but for the National, only the best minds of the country were invited to take part.He also knew that Mandy was the brilliant one in this group, and without her, they didn´t stand a chance.But it would be great for their resumes and College applications, only to take part on it. No pressure about winning, for this purpose.But Mandy would miss this exciting experience. Jackson knew Carol and her points of view for years, now. He had no hope of convincing her to allow Mandy´s participation.So, he thought it w

The Mathemaniacs entered their routine of practices for the championship. They already had their methods of studying, testing each other and supporting all. It included after classes meetings, online group chatting, exchanging of math books and articles, among others.At any normal day, they would sit with their best friends for lunch, which is very natural. Then they could catch up about movies or sports, like any other kid.But the weeks before a competition, they sat at the same table for lunch everyday. And they took this opportunity to quiz each other, simulating the ‘National’.Their friends understood this and admired their dedication. Mandy explained all that to Mark, and was a little bit surprised when he declared that he would sit with them. She accepted his decision, but told him honestly that even having him by her side, she wouldn´t be able to give him her full attention.What she didn´t grasp yet was that being by her

When they were on dates, Arthur and Carol had the best time of their lives. Nothing could prevent their fun, since they were beautiful, healthy and rich.They went dancing, dining, roller-skating, shopping. It was as if they wanted to do together, every activity that they had ever ever ever done before, without the other.It was contagious to people around them. They could light a room just by entering it.And they teased each other, sweetly, of course. Arthur would point to a very strong person and ask her, “Could you defeat him?”“In a blink.” She would answer very confident.One day, at the zoo, he asked if she could beat the bear.“We will only be sure of it if you enter the cage and I need to rescue you, honey.”“Then it´s better if we don´t know, Carol.”And he would grab her waist and spin her around, not minding what people could think. They were crazily in lov

On a Sunday morning, Carol and Mandy would stay in their pajamas and have breakfast together whitout any hurry. They would eat well, because later, they would need their strength to go running in the park, as always.In these opportunities, they talked about everything that had happened during the previous week, or they would make simple plans for the next one.Sometimes they only told jokes and talked about music and movies. It was Sunday, after all.Then, when the doorbell rang, Mandy went to answer it without any idea of who it could be.And what a surprise she had! There, at the front door stood grandpa, grandma, papa and nana.Behind them, baggages and parcels. Mandy´s enthusiasm and screams of joy caught Carol´s attention and she soon joined the cheerful greetings at the entrance.“Mom, dad! John, Helen! What a pleasant surprise! Come in, come in. Mandy, help me with these bags.”As they entered, Carol le

When Carol told Arthur that her family had arrived by surprise, he didn´t know what to make of it.He offered to go immediately to her house, to meet them, but she said that since they were tired from the trip, they would be going to bed really early. It was better to meet for lunch the next day at a nice Mexican restaurant that they enjoyed.But Arthur insisted that the lunch should be at his place. He would ask the cook to do Mexican food. Carol was pleased with this arrangement.Arthur not so much. First because he missed seeing her on Sunday, and now she dismissed him easily. Second, what was it with this sudden visit? Were they trying to separate the couple?Because they could have given at least one day notice, to be welcomed properly.He was suspicious and a little frenetic. He only calmed down a little, when the bodyguards parked in front of Carol´s, told him the lights went out completely. It was around nine pm. Arthur had alre

After Arthur had his talk with Paul, he decided to propose to Carol on the next Saturday night.The family was gathered at Carol´s because they had to dress up, since they were going to a social event, as Arthur´s guests. It happened to be the charity event of the year, that night, and the most celebrated high society people would have dinner and a gala ball.At Carol`s, everybody was excited and looked their best. The men in suits and the ladies in gowns. Mark was already there, wearing a dark blue suit and it looked great with Mandy´s soft blue dress. They matched.The grandmother´s dresses were classic and very nice. A pink one for Lily and a green broidered one for Helen.As for Carol´s gown, it was exotic and beautiful. As it cascaded down the perfect curves of her body, you had an impression that it was silver, because it made her shine. But as soon as she moved gracefully, it changed to a golden color and still shinnin

On their arrival at the benefit party, they soon noticed that it was a success. Many reporters and paparazzi´s were gathered in the sidewalk, and many flashes were being used. Politicians, artists and people of many sports were attending, and the fans crowded the entrance.It was cute how grandma Lily and nana Helen posed for the pictures, as if they were movie stars. Everybody was in an excellent mood.Inside the ballroom, while they were being taken to their reserved table, many important people stopped Arthur to greet him, such as the mayor himself.Since a gigantic diamond ring can never go unnoticed, the greetings were soon followed by enthusiastic congratulations.During the dinner, the donations for the municipal hospital were announced and thanked. Arthur´s was impressive.They were served a delicious dinner, followed by a variety of deserts, where they could choose among fruits, sweets and ice creams.Since their talk da

Things were pretty busy at school too. The preparations for the Math Championship were intensified since they day for it was approaching.And everybody else was a little crazy with coming up tests in every subject, specially for eniors like Mark and Charlie, since they were also applying to different colleges and preparing themselves for interviews, in case they were invited in the selection process.But even with this full agenda, it was impossible to ignore that student´s personal objects kept disappearing. One girl noticed that her braces went missing. And that caused astonishment, not only because it had no commercial value, but also because who would want a used one. And it would probably not even fit the person.All the wonder was to no avail, until the day that Charlie noticed that his new swimming goggles went missing. Not only were they new, but they were also a present from his girlfriend Dorothy. And she had his name engraved on it.&ldqu

Pamela Smith is a heart surgeon with an international name. Her skills have allowed her to save many lives. She breathes Medicine and she feeds from its scientific wonders. The only other passion in her life is her husband Donald.And Donald Smith is one of the best brain surgeons in the world. He has received all the main awards and this international recognition puts him in touch with the top scientists of the globe. History of science is being made by these brilliant minds.Donald loves his wife and admires her.All their spare time they dedicate to one another. He calls her Pam and she calls him Don. Nobody else has permission do do so. They have similar hobbies, that include reading and travelling. They are also owners of General Premium Hospital, an enormous private and very expensive place. This situation allows them many luxuries. A great house, the best cars, jewelry and clothes. Name it and they have it.Pam and Don happen to be Mark´s par

Carol had to ask Arthur to limit the number of guests for their party. In all his excitement he had intended to invite almost a thousand people.“I want the world to know that I love you, Carol. I want to make it clear that we are together.”“Oh, honey, I think the world already knows. We are in all the main broadcast vehicle that exists. We´ve even made it to the worst gossip magazines.”“We did it, didn´t we?” He seemed proud as he embraced he tightly.“You are having a great time with it, because while the gossipers call you “The king”, The empreror of gold”, they refer to me as an alian who came from a distant planet to rob your heart.”“Hahahaha. Did you also read that one? It is my favorite.”“Why?”“They only say that about the top celebrities. The people they admire the most. Since there are not enough adjectives, they p