Born For This // Aaron Hotchner

Two

James Hotchner drove in silence with only the gentle purr of the engine to keep him company. He believed that riding a motorcycle was one of the purest forms of speed. You could feel everything on a motorcycle. The bumps on the road and the speed. James was addicted to the rush he got from riding. He had been hooked the first time his mother had driven him to school on her Harley. Then his Uncle Sean had introduced him to the world of motorcycles and the mechanics of it all. There was nothing Iames didn't know about the two wheeled machine he drove.

Sean Hotchner had received a call from his brother telling him to expect the arrival of his nephew. Obviously he had been planning on making his way to his brother's house later that day but he was pleasantly surprised to see the effort his nephew was making to involve him in their family game day. The gentle purr of a well tuned engine alerted Sean Hotchner to the arrival of the second Hotchner child. He grabbed his keys and wallet before going outside to greet his nephew.

"Hey James, let me lock up before we head out. Is that your mother's newest Ducati?"

"Yes sir," James responded.

Sean smirked, "Mind letting me take a spin?"

"No can do sir. Mom gave me strict orders not to let you drive. My motorcycle privileges are on the line and I'm not risking it."

Sean chuckled, "Son, I would do the same thing. Wanna stop on the road for some snacks? I'm sure we could fill up the motorcycle storage and make your siblings and mom happy."

James paused for a second. His mother didn't say he had to pick up Sean and head directly back. Hesitantly he nodded and got on the Ducati. James waited patiently until his uncle was ready to go before turning on the motorcycle and driving off to the nearest grocery store. While James drove he was humming the tune to Killer Queen. It was just something he loved to do while he was driving.

There was something about driving a motorcycle that was so different than the feel of a car. When you drove a car you can feel the car accelerate from under you and pushing you forward with it. But when you drove a motorcycle it was as if you were one with the machine. Each turn you leaned with the motorcycle. The feeling of being one with the machine. No separation between man and metal. James felt it and asked it the question, how much more can you take? Can you speed up more? Can I push this machine to the limit and expect it to treat me well?

James loved everything about the machine under him, especially how smoothly it took turns. Sean pointed out a parking spot to him and gently parked the motorcycle. Sean got off first then James.

"Come on James, let's get the snacks," Sean said as he gestured for his nephew to follow. "What snacks are popular these days? I know you still love eating peach rings and Addie has always loved her dark chocolate, but Aria and Jack are a mystery to me."

James thought about what the snacks that his parents never let them buy and responded, "I have a few ideas. Also, Uncle Sean, while I love peach rings, I also love dark chocolate peanut butter cups from Trader Joe's. Aria is currently into eating organic gummy bears while Jack seems to gravitate towards binge eating hot Cheetos."