First Place

Shoes. Those were what were involved in every aspect of my life. Being a football player, track runner and a basketball player had cost my parents thousands of dollars of shoes over the years. I, of course, felt terrible about it. My family wasn't rich, and shoes weren't something I was entitled to. I had over twenty expensive pairs of wearable shoes at the moment. I owned tennis shoes, slides, basketball shoes, cleats, boots, flip flops, and just about any shoe you could think of. But, being a guy with a reputation to uphold, I always wanted more, no matter how much I knew I shouldn't. So, one day I decided to think of a way to change that. for the last three years, since eighth grade, I have been working on a pair of shoes that could fix all of my childish problems.

"Al Shoes can transform into any type of shoe you want! Slides, tennis shoes, boots, cleats, basketball shoes, anything, really." I said, grinning at the college professors around me. "Using the condensing and expanding of molecules, the shoes can almost turn into anything." I demonstrate, clicking the setting on my wristband that read Slides, and my shoes morph quickly into them. Everyone in the room gasped. The slides were white, as were any other type of shoe would be. I clicked each button, changing them from shoe to shoe. One man stands up.

"But if you're condensing the molecules, how will the smaller shoes be comfortable, if the fabric is so tough?" He asks. I grin. I was hoping someone would ask that.

"Well, you see, I've designed them so that the molecules are condensed in the most convenient places, such as the very bottom, the sides, and the back, so you still have the cushion that most shoes now offer." I was very proud of my creation, and especially the name. They were pronounced all shoes, or just alls, but spelled like Al, which was my name. 

"And you control with that wristband?" A woman speaks up, and I nod. I stick my arm to them, showing them the simple controls.

"The shoes can also be controlled via a bluetooth setting also available on the wristband. I will be creating an app that serves that purpose more efficiently as well." After answering a few more questions, I thank them for their time and step off of the small stage in the room. As I begin to walk out, college professors and business owners pepper me with questions.

"How would you like a scholarship to MUT?"

"Have you considered selling through Nike?"

"Could I get you cell number, Mr. Anderson?"

"I'd really like to hear more about this. Do you think-"

"How long did it take you make those?"

I stop and shout above them. "Our allotted time for questions is up! Now, if you'll please excuse me, I am going to be late for my track meet!"

I hurriedly met my mom outside, who was already in her car and ready to take me. We sped off to the football stadium, where my friend Damon was waiting for me. 

"Thank God you're not late, our backup didn't show up either." He says, as we jog to the locker rooms. "Al, we are your shoes?" He ask, worriedly glancing at my slides.

"Don't worry, I've got 'em." He seems confused, but he doesn't ask me any questions. Once I take off my pullover and sweats, revealing my track clothes underneath, I press the button the morphs my slides into tennis shoes. Not only was this the district track meet, it was also my first time using these shoes for sports, outside of practice, that is. Once I'm out on the field, I realize my event is next. They begin setting up the hurdles around the track, and my coach meets me near the starting point.

"Remember, two laps, don't worry about overexerting yourself because your next event isn't for another hour, at least." He pats me on the back. "Just do what you always do, and you'll place for sure." I went to the starting line, and stretched as much as possible, since I didn't have time earlier. I heard someone talking, but I tuned them out, focusing on the first hurdle, waiting for the sound that announced the start. When I heard it, the loud bang of the blank, I was off, running as fast as possible, always jumping at the right time, making sure to point my back toe at the right time. Doing everything at the right time. It wasn't until I was halfway done with my second lap that I realized I was in second. The guy in front of me was barely ahead, and I knew i could go faster. I sped up, to the point where I was full-blown sprinting, and so did the guy next to me. Slowly but surely, I began passing him, until there was only one hurdle left. I jump gracefully over it, crossing the finish line, while at the same time hearing a loud thud and a groan of pain. I turn, and the boy is on the ground, his ankle twisted at an odd angle. I look around, making sure everyone is aware of me getting first, and then run to help him up. I drag him to one of the football benches, with the help of his coach.

"Are you okay?" I ask him and he nods, wincing. I'm pushed to the side by his friends and family who had rushed from the stands. I walk to a near by bench, switching my shoes to slides and taking them off. usually, my feet hurt really bad after an event like this, but I find it isn't nearly as bad this time. I had created and amazing pair of shoes, and they would surely changed the world.