The only thing I can really top Jim in is brains. My IQ's about 173, while his is down around 125.

Of course, no one notices that. And those who do notice me taking college classes, while Jim is in nothing above Honors, writes it off as me being a nerd.

I know that this won't be any different. I'll just be another science geek that won an award. But at least I can say to myself, hey, I beat Jim again.

That's why I have to win this science fair.

Every year at our high school, the seniors have a science fair. Whoever wins gets a ribbon. I need that ribbon. I know that Jim won't win and it won't be hard to beat him. But if I don't rank, we'll both just be one of those people who didn't place and I won't have won this little battle.

I've worked extra hard on this experiment. It's a simple idea, but the results could be revolutionary.

Do Lima Beans React Better to Classical Music?

A kindergartener could do it. But not like this. I haven't just looked at how tall the plants have grown. I've looked inside them. Studied their proteins, their chemical processes. This experiment could change the way we study humans.

I stand in the gymnasium, trying to inconspicuously wipe sweat off of my forehead. I'm already regretting wearing the corduroy suit, as good as it looks. With the entire senior class in the science fair and the three judges going to every table, it takes forever. It's been about four hours and I'm guessing it will take at least one more. All three judges have been to my table and listened to my presentation. Sheldon was one of them. Some of the other students have complained that he'll go easy on me because he's my best friend, but that shows how well they know Sheldon. I'm sure he judged me more harshly than the other two.

Jim is at the table next to mine since we're set up in alphabetical order by our last names. I've made a point not to look at his experiment or even at him. He's talking to the last judge. I watch out of the corner of my eye. The judge looks bored. Good. They all looked pretty interested in mine.

One and a half hours later, we've all moved into the auditorium for the awards ceremony. Sheldon comes up to me.

"You've finished comparing the scores," I ask.

"Yes, and the other judges were way to easy on you. Would you believe they gave a three out of five in originality for the which-paper-towel-absorbs-more-water experiment?"

"How did I do?"

"You know I can't tell you that. It's supposed to be confidential."

One of the science teachers walks to the microphone on the stage. He gives a speech about the history of the science fair, why it's important to our education, and so on. When he finishes, he holds up a paper. "And now," he says, "our winners." I sit up straight, now paying attention.

"In third place, Cameron Johnson." Cameron walks onto the stage and takes a red ribbon held out to him by the principal before moving upstage.

"In second place, Howard Wallowitz." Howard, one of my good friends, takes a silver ribbon and stands next to Cameron.

"And in first place..." I hold my breath and cross my fingers. The teacher takes a breath.

"Leonard Kirk!"

I walk onto the stage to take my blue ribbon. The principal holds it out to me and I take it. I've done it. I've beat Jim again. Maybe no one will notice, but I don't care. I beat him. I stand next to Howard, who gives me a high five. I see my mother stand up and walk towards the stage. Why? She climbs up the stairs. The teacher looks confused as my mother holds out a hand for the microphone, but he hands it over anyway. What is she doing? Maybe she's just making some announcement for the PTA, like 'refreshments' are in the hallway,' or something like that. I really hope she's not going to say how proud she is of me. That would be embarrassing.

But what happens is much worse.

"Hello everyone. I am Leonard's mother. As much as it pains me to do this..."

Pains her? What's going on? She doesn't look very pained.

"I am going to have to ask Leonard to give back his ribbon."

At first, I'm not sure I heard her right. Give back the ribbon? Why would I do that?

"You see, Leonard cheated on his experiment. His brother, James Kirk, performed the same experiment. Do Lima Beans Grow Worse to Rock and Roll? He had it completed a month before Leonard. Leonard took the idea and added a few details. So, I cannot let Leonard take credit for the work done by his brother."

There is a stunned silence. The audience doesn't know how to react, and, honestly, neither do I. My first thought is that my mother doesn't know what she's talking about. Jim didn't do that experiment. His experiment was... I realize that I have know clue what experiment he did do. Maybe we really did do the same experiment. Obviously, he wouldn't have gone as in depth as I did, but maybe that's what my mother meant be 'added a few details.'

The science teacher looks surprised. Fortunately he doesn't ask what I have to say for myself or anything, he just holds his hand for the ribbon. I think about arguing, but I don't want to embarrass myself further. I hand over the ribbon and walk off the stage.

The science teacher continues to talk, but I'm not listening anymore. First place went to Howard, I think, but it doesn't really matter. I lost the science fair. I didn't beat Jim.

As soon as we get home, I explode at my mother, "How could you do that to me?!"

She doesn't look at me, just glances off into the distance. "I couldn't let you win by cheating."

"But I didn't cheat! I had no idea what Jim was doing!" I turn on him. "Why didn't you tell me you were doing the same experiment?!"

"I had no idea you were doing it! It doesn't really matter anyway. We both know you didn't cheat."

"Well, I didn't see you going up there to tell them that!"

My mother has disappeared by now. I feel rage boiling inside of me. I throw a punch at Jim's face. He ducks out of the way. "What's with you?!" he exclaims.

"What's with me?! Maybe I'm sick of you ruining my life!"

"I'm sorry about the science fair, okay? If that ruined your life..." He ducks again as I try to land another punch.

"It's not about the science fair! It's everything else! Every time I do something, you butt in and do it better. The same day I became president of the science club, you became captain of the football team. You have all the girls you could ever want, but you have to choose the one I want. You're athletic and popular, and what have I got?! Nothing!"

Jim stops my third punch, catching my fist in his. He glares at me. "What are you blaming me for?" he asks, his voice cool and hard. "I did nothing wrong. I didn't become captain or go out with a girl to spite you and I can't help it if you're too stupid to see it that way."

He lets go of my hand, turns, and goes up the stairs. I'm still fuming, but I can't get rid of the sick feeling that he's right.