1. One last cigarette

Chapter One: Stash

'Never mistake her silence for weakness.

Remember that sometimes the air stills,

Before the onset of a hurricane...'

-Nikita Gill

Five more minutes...

Sofia wished for five more minutes of silence the small city she lived in provided at 5 a.m. but the busy streets filled with umbrellas, barking dogs, and car horns disturbed the pitter-patter the rain left on her window.

Opening up her drawer, the last bit of her stash appeared and she pulled out her white lighter imprinted with the words:

We're all addicted to something that takes the pain go away.

Lighting the cigarette she opened the window, shivering from the cold wind that entered the room.

She never smoked marijuana at home when she wasn't alone, still hiding her small addiction from her younger brother Steven. As far as his knowledge goes, she only participates in cigarettes.

Sofia loved the rush she got from cocaine, but fell in love with the calm feeling marijuana gave her when she desperately needed a calm mind, She could enjoy the little things more.

Pulling on her grey hoodie with her black leggings and running shoes Sofia took a long drag of the cigarette feeling the smoke enter her lungs before exhaling and throwing the cigarette butt out the window before entering her black-tiled bathroom.

After washing her face, brushing her teeth, and doing what she needed to do Sofia entered the kitchen deciding to make pancakes before she went on her run.

Mixing the batter she heated the stove, filled the pan with some butter, and watched the yellow block melt.

An hour later Sofia was done, placing the stack of pancakes in the middle of their dining table "Steven Breakfast!".

Minutes later a messy black-haired boy appeared still half asleep.

"Thanks, sis" Steven muttered stuffing his face.

Nodding at her brother Sofia grabbed her headphone deciding she would eat after her run. Pulling her hood over her head she started her playlist, putting away her phone so it wouldn't get wet.

Raindrops fell on her face with each step she took.

5 Miles later Sofia stopped at the park waiting under a large willow tree for Lia her supplier to arrive. Spotting the redhead speed walking toward Sofia she stopped her music while removing her headphones.

"2 grams cocaine, 3 grams marijuana, and 6 ecstasy pills" Lia informed placing the packets in Sofia's hand. "$625, same order next time Lia" placing the money in her hand, Sofia placed everything in her bag and started walking home listening to the thunder mixing with the rain falling on the roads.

Arriving home soaked, Sofia filled her drawer and replaced her hoodie with a green sports bra heading to their basement.

They lived in a two-bedroom house with a garage, two bathrooms, lounge, kitchen, and basement after Sofia made enough money to buy a house from the illegal fights she's won over the past three years.

Already warmed up from her run Sofia started hitting the red punching bag in front of her. Swiftly moving around and working on her upper hook. Steven stood at the door watching his sister letting all her rage out on the poor bag proud of how far she's come. He started street racing a few months ago after he turned 17 trying to help out with all of the payments. Sofia worked hard to make sure he had the chance to finish school, have a house to call home, and have enough support in whatever he wanted to become.

"Want to give the bag a break Sis, I could go for a quick workout" Steven sassed knowing she could beat his ass in a second even if she always gave him a head start.

"Maybe I'll beat your ass after School little brother, grab your bag I have a meeting with your principal so I'm riding with you" Sofia drank some water and fetched her jacket not bothering to get changed first.

Grabbing her keys she glanced at her brother "Race you!" before Steven could register what his sister said she was already on her Kawasaki ZX-10R, fastening her long white hair in a high ponytail and racing out of the driveway.

Speeding past each other they arrived at Stevens school. Steven of course won but only because Sofia was pulled over for not wearing the proper gear.

"Better luck next time Sofia" Steven laughed catching up with his friends who were whistling at his sister. Smacking all of them over the head, they walked into school when the bell rang, already late for the first period.