The Serpentine Syndicate MC: Manix

Chapter 14

The birthday party had proceeded way into the night, long after the many kids had been carted home and the birthday boy himself fast asleep. That hadn't stopped the adults from overindulging in the celebration.

Now as dawn broke through, causing the warm hues to shine through the window against my face, I woke up a little worse for wear. Birds chirping, causing nothing but irritation to my sensitive ears, the bedside clock telling me it was way too early to even think about moving. Thanking the heavens my meal prepped waffles would see the men through the morning, though I doubted anyone would rise until later, all dead to the world, passed out across the compound.

Pulling the pillow back atop my head and turning over, sleep seemed to embrace me once again, sending a prayer I'd feel much better the second time I woke.

Waking anew, this time feeling refreshed and less like a truck had just hit me going 70 in a 40, it was late morning. Almost immediately it struck me, I had a date. An actual date with Manix, this evening.

Springing up, my body moved on it's own accord. Flailing around in some sort of happy dance, like a teenage girl would do who's just been asked to prom, maybe a little more pitiful when its done by me, a 24 year old. But the excitement was to intense to contain. Realising we'd agreed to meet in a few hours, I went ahead getting ready.

....

It had taken me nearly the entire time to get ready, usually my bare face and simple clothes were enough for me to tackle the day. This however, was different and I wanted to ensure I put a half decent amount of effort in. I knew Manix wouldn't mind either way but for my own self confidence a little mascara, blush and brows went a long way in boosting my assurance. The sweetheart neck puff sleeved floral dress I had chosen, made me feel good in my body.

Pairing the outfit with the decrepit converse that had been through so much, I took one final look at myself, grinning tenderly at myself in the mirror. Call me superstitious, but wearing the shoes on the date with Manix felt right, allowing them to bare witness to another life event. I'm aware to many, they wold appear to be some tattered shoes but they'd travelled with me like a teddy or blanket for a child and so they would follow me through on this date.

A tender knock came from outside the door, ensuring my appearance looked presentable, smoothing away any flyways. I scampered to the door, pulling the metal handle to be greeted with a well formed Manix, clutching a bouquet of wildflowers. The act alone had confirmed all my efforts spent in the bathroom getting ready, had been worth it.

'My god, you look gorgeous Rina', the endearing nickname making me gawk at the floor bashfully, probably wearing a hole were my feet scuffed the spot below in awkwardness.

'Scrub up well yourself', I playfully jested provoking a laugh from him. He was dressed in his usual leather jacker with a white vest and grey crew underneath, dark denim jeans and leather boots. Overall pulling him into the bed beside me and remaining their for the rest of the day seemed a viable option, but curiosity had be moulding into his outstretched arm and leading me to his bike.

From memory I knew very few bikers let just anyone sit on their bikes, so seeing his Harley-Davidson parked in the centre of the lot had me flabbergasted.

'I'm not sure I know how to be on a bike Manix'.

'Keaton'

'What?'

'You can call me Keaton if you want, its my real name but only my parents, grandparents and a few founding members know so I'd appreciate it not getting around.'

'Yeah of course'. Keaton, the name suited him, unique, strong just like him.

'Anyways Rina I won't let anything happen to you, hold on tight and lean when I lean and there wont be a problem, I've been riding all my life I trust myself to do it blindfolded'. Weather he meant it or just wanted to put my mind at ease it worked, as I found myself taking his hand and tipping my leg over the bike, moving closer to Keaton.