In order to ensure that Akeelah doesn't get eliminated from the spelling bee, Javier found ways to prolong his turn. He wanted to make sure that she would be able to return in time for her next word. As Akeelah went against her mom and joined the spelling bee, Akeelah tried to convince her mom one last time to let her participate. They made up with Akeelah gaining forgiveness from her mother.