A race beyond the tracks (NEW VERSION)

Chapter 2

I rolled over in bed, rubbing my eyes as I stretched my limbs. The sun was peeking through the blinds, the light filling the room slowly. My eyes fluttered open as I fumbled around for my phone on the nightstand. I always think that after the numerous late nights I'd had over the years, I would've somewhat got used to them but obviously not. My eyes settled on the numbers on the screen. 8:45am. I groaned loudly. Surely I hadn't overslept again. I rechecked. 8:46am.

Great.

Jumping out of the bed, I rush into the bathroom to have a quick shower and do all my bathroom business. I brush my wet hair leaving it down to air dry, I'd tie it later. Pulling the blinds up I assess the weather before settling on a pair of black mum jeans and a cropped tshirt before fumbling around with my contacts and glasses. I hated both with a goddamn passion, but I had no choice. I rush from my room to the kitchen almost tripping over my own feet.

I live on my own in a small apartment by the beach, not a massive piece of property but it was enough for me. It had a bedroom which I kept minimal, with a low loft style bed and fitted wardrobe. The kitchen and living area are open plan and again, I kept it simple but modern with a theme of grey. I only had one bathroom which acted an ensuite to my bedroom.

I wasn't left with much money when I was young after everything, so it meant it was essential to learn how to manage my money. When I started racing and money started pouring in, I knew well enough that I didn't want to have a very expensive lifestyle, I didn't want attention and wanted to live a quiet lifestyle with minimal attention. That's how I liked it. James and the team always pestered me to live with them in the big villa style house they lived in together, where all my racing cars were imported and kept and if I didn't care for safety and secrecy, I would've taken the offer in a heartbeat. But I prioritised other things and being flashy wasn't one of them.

I grabbed an apple, not bothering for cereal and picked up my bag and jacket off of the island before rushing out the door. I didn't have time to wait for the lift, so I almost flew down the flights of stairs before swinging the complex door open to a blast of sunshine. James was already standing outside leaning against his parked G-Wagon that I had a secret love for. James was a posh boy. It was no secret that his parents were wealthy, and he was able to weasel his way with them without them having even the slightest inkling that he's involved in illegal street racing.

He stared at me through his sunglasses and grinned when he saw me. It was no secret that James was an attractive boy, he had a mop of blonde hair and sea green eyes. He was tall and muscular; the type to make any silly girl swoon. Greg had introduced him to me when I moved to the school in two years ago and he did not disappoint. At such a young age, James was a skilled fighter and impeccable with a gun. Not to mention a bucket and sponge when it came to my cars. There was no doubt about it that he was labelled crew chief of the group.

"How did I guess you we're going to be late this morning Mae," he teased. I smacked him on the arm as I slid into the passenger seat. I whistled as a stroked the dashboard. He glanced at me from the side.

"Don't even think about it, I know what you're thinking."

"One day you'll let me drive this beauty." He scoffed.

"Which means my car will end up being towed away in bits because you've decided to challenge someone on the road. Never happening, this is a luxury car so feel privileged you're even allowed in it."

"I'm the best driver you know so Shut up," I grumbled, "just get us to school already."

"Well, you're not wrong but you forgot careless," he pointed out. I threw him a glare and chuckled as he began to drive.

As he pulled up into school, I could already hear the remarks causing me to sink into the seat. He noticed my stance and his eyes softened. "Hey Mae, relax. Remember, people don't even know half of it." I looked at him and gave him a half smile. He was right, people didn't know half of it. James was my best friend, so much so he was like my brother.