The Slacker Boys #1: Competing with her

Julie

Chapter 5:

I was still undecided whether I have lost my mind or I am going to live my life on the edge. All I knew at that moment was that I missed racing. I loved the familiar feeling of adrenaline pumping through my body before racing. I was going to race with the car I always race with. The one that was built by my dad and the one that led me to victory. It was the most precious thing I have left of him and protected it at all costs. I wonder what my dad thought of me at that moment. I still miss him everyday, and maybe even more as each day passes. I don't know how that's possible, but in moments like these I feel closer to him. Then I understood that maybe underneath, this was the reason why I proposed the race in the first place.

I was all geared up in my usual attire and drove to the track. Everything was the same and the familiar smell inside the car made me start reminiscing on the good old days. I used to tell my dad that I wanted to die driving since at least when I would die people would know that I died having fun. He used to become upset when I said so and I eventually stopped bringing up the subject.

When I arrived on the track, Jared and yesterday's crew were already there, and as I pulled up, next to his car he came round my car inspecting it. I could tell that he was visibly taken aback. He didn't expect it. So I jumped out of the car from the window as always and approached him.

"She's a masterpiece." I said reading his thoughts.

"I must admit. This is one fine ass car. People would kill to race in one like this."

"I know. But the car will show its true potential only when driven well and with skill" I replied nonchalantly.

"I agree. One question though.... Where did you find such a jewel?" he asked.

For the first time I didn't know how to respond but went with: "And what made you think that I found it?" I didn't wait for a reply and looked at the watch. "I think we'd better start because we can't occupy the track all night. So it'll be five laps around the track and the one who arrives first at the finish line will be the winner. Agreed?"

"Good. Let's get going then." He replied.

I got inside, drank some water as this was part of my routine before starting, and put on my helmet. I turned on the engine with that familiar sound surrounding me. I felt home. Despite not having raced in a long time, I felt positive that I could do it and prove to him that I am a hard worker and that women could race too.

I looked over at him and saw him prepped and looking at me. When I nodded he signaled one of his buddies to give us the go.

I revved my engine, warming her up and as soon as his buddy dropped the flag, I floored the gas. The feeling at that moment made me feel alive and all the noise shrunk away. It was me and my car. Me and the track. As I began turning on the corners I began replaying the instructions my mentor would give me before each race. Relax and when turning just ease up. Let the car guide you and do not accelerate. Make sure that you release the gas at the right time- Just trust your gut.

The track seemed relatively easy, however on the last corner there was a very sharp turn that almost made me swerve into my opponent's lane. Luckily, he was further behind me and didn't cause any problems.

The first lap was done and even the second and third. My opponent began closing up to me on the fourth and as I was going to start the fifth lap, I turned at the last minute on the corner, hoping to avoid swerving too much and ending up in his lane and bump into my car. However, I knew I had turned too late and my car swerved to the farthest lane of the track and I went head first into the wall. Then, everything went black.