Racing to You ✓

09 | confrontation

By the time Theo and I reached the track, the riders were already warmed up and racing.

Deandre was donned in a black uniform, streaked with electric green, allowing us to catch brief sight of him. My stomach churned for some odd reason. Was I hungry already?

"There he is!" Theo pointed out. "He looks so cool. He's really lucky that his previous instructor and club still accepted him after being absent for half a year. Even though he's on probation still."

I watched as Deandre's motorcycle raced past us. "I read the articles about what happened to him last year."

Theo directed us towards the benches. "Let's sit over there."

I pressed on. "Are they all true?"

He spared me a sidelong glance. "You're seriously asking me?"

"You are the class president -- you seem to know everyone."

Theo chuckled and stretched out his legs. "You should ask Deandre yourself."

I rolled my eyes. "You didn't seem to be this considerate of his boundaries when you practically demanded for me to come for this practice thingy."

"He needed a push for that one. You know, reach out to people."

"Me, of all people?" I asked incredulously.

Theo winked. "He needs some bubbly-ness in his life."

I groaned. "You're setting me up! He's just going to find me talkative and annoying."

The motorcycle engines roared to life as the riders shot off from the start line. I caught a flash of Deandre's green bike before the group disappeared round the bend.

"My dad would love this," I thought aloud. "I should get tickets to Deandre's real race with him."

"Talk about trying to impress the dad," Theo joked. "Anyways, I'm just going to use the toilet. Will be back soon."

I waved him off. "Alright, don't worry. I'll be here."

I was still looking out for Deandre amidst the crowd of helmeted faces and riding gear, the roar of the engines nearly drowning my thoughts out, when a voice from behind me rasped, "Hey shawty. You're way too attractive for that little boy."

I bristled and spun around to face the person. "Excuse me--"

It was a middle aged man, and under different circumstances I would say he was decent looking -- but I knew better, and sexual harassment could come from anyone.

The man gave me a creepy smile. "Hot damn mama chick -- you look even better standing up and up close."

I took a couple steps away, but he started to follow me. "Come on, don't be like that. Don't girls like to be complimented? I'm giving you the attention women would pine for."

"Stop," I managed to squeak out, suddenly feeling powerless. "Stay away ."

His beady eyes racked from my hair, all the way down to my feet. I didn't miss how his gaze lingered on my chest and private parts. "You'll change your mind once I show you how to ride."

The sexual innuendo was probably the most disgusting thing I've ever heard in my life, but before I could turn away and run, he reached out and grabbed my arm. I started shaking with fear.

"Let go of her."

Relief washed over me as I realised Deandre had appeared by my side. He was still holding onto his helmet, and was a little out of breath, so I figured he had ran over.

The man sneered but dropped my arm. "You children don't appreciate the opportunities that come your way."

"We definitely don't need your guidance," Deandre replied coolly, his eyes flashing dangerously. "Leave before I call the police."

The man huffed and stomped away. "What a goody-two-shoes. Teachers pets for sure."

Deandre glared after him, the ice in them dry enough to burn. But all energy suddenly left me and my knees buckled. He caught me in time, but I flinched away as soon as he made contact with my skin.

His jaw clenched. "That piece of shit. Do you want me to call the police?"

"No...no," I stuttered, inhaling and exhaling deeply. "I just want to forget it."

There was a painful silence. Finally, he huffed. "Where is Theo?"

"He went to the toilet," I mumbled.

Deandre brushed a hand through his short hair roughly, clearly worked up. "Ok. Let's get back to where you guys were sitting so he can find us. Don't want that weird ass dude targeting him either."

We reached the bench we were originally sitting at the same time Theo did. He scratched the back of his head. "I was wondering where you went. That was a super quick practice -- "

Deandre interrupted sharply. "I'll grab my gear, then we can go."

Theo stared after him. "What happened?"

I kicked some dirt near my feet. "Some man approached me."

Understanding dawned upon Theo, and I watched as his expression flash with anger, then worry. "I'm so sorry. Are you... alright?"

I released a shaky breath. "Yeah. It's over."

Because what else was there to say? How could it ever be okay, even when it was over?

I missed my parents intensely at that very moment. When they were around, they would've been the ones to have protected me. But maybe that was part of the reason why I didn't know how to face the confrontation myself.

Theo cleared his throat. "Do you want me to send you back now?"

I shook my head. "It's alright, I just feel like taking a walk."

Theo hesitated. "I don't think walking alone--"

"I can walk with her," Deandre interrupted.

"You don't have to do that," I retorted.

He raised his eyebrows. "Or I could give you a ride back. Your decision."

"Aggressive much," Theo chuckled, clapping Deandre on the shoulder. "Well, I do have to run some errands for my mom. You two alright with each other?"

I glanced at Deandre. I barely knew him, and it was always said that Deandre Williams was trouble and danger, but if Theo was hanging out with him... maybe Deandre wasn't quite the serial killer. Besides, he had stepped in for me just now, against a man twice his size. Perhaps I didn't quite know Deandre yet, but I knew Theo.

"Yes, sir," Deandre replied, rolling his eyes. A small laugh escaped from me.

Theo grinned. "Alright. See you guys then. Leilani, if this dude bullies you, just tell me. I'll look for him. Just to talk."

Deandre and I watched Theo walk away. He turned to me and shifted his feet, his usual quiet demeanor back.

There was a painful pause.

"So," he broke the silence. "Where to?"

I smiled as a thought came to me. "Woodbine beach."