The Scarlet Fire

Father and Son Stunts

(Forgot to put that his mom is dead so let's pretend I did. I'm gonna make some chapters shorter to make this book have more chapters so I can post more regularly with it)

The quaint, old-fashioned traveling carnival has staked down in a dusty lot in the middle of this small Texas town. We push through the sideshow attractions and games of chance to the big top where we hear the roar of a motorcycle engine. 

"Ladies and gentleman the Amazing...Blazing...Stunt Cycle Spectacular!"

An elaborate track has been constructed in the centre of the stage. We crane up to the top to reveal a handsome, seventeen year old boy straddling a motocross bike. Y/N Blaze. He looks out to the crowd, searching for a special someone...

Zooey Kern. The most beautiful girl in the world (or at least in Nolan County). Y/N gives her a wink before slapping down his face shield and taking off down the ramp. 

The track unravels before him like a child's Hot Wheels set come to life as a second rider crosscuts his path, Johnny Blaze. Y/N's father.

Father and son ride faster and faster around the criss-crossing track, missing each other by inches with each pass. They stop at opposite ends of the run and face off.

A drumroll begins as the track is suddenly ignited in flames. They charge for the centre in what appears to be a head-on collision. But at the last second the track separates into semi-circle, sending both riders into back somersaults. 

The crowd cheers as father and son pull wheelies across the carnival big top. Y/N waves to Zooey while riding the wheelie one-handed. But then he hits a loose patch of dirt. The audience gasps before Y/N regains his balance and rides sheepishly after his father out of the big top. 

"Y/N M/N Blaze..."

Inside the carnival tent that night, Johnny is giving his son an earful.

"If you're gonna play to the crowd at least wait until the stunt's over!"

Y/N studies his boots as he responds. 

"Yes, sir..."

"The moment you stop fearing these machines is a moment too late."

"Yes, sir..."

"You're all I got left, son. If anything happened to you I'd cry a blue norther, ya'll want that?"

"No, sir..."

Johnny coughs. An ugly, rattling sound.

"You're gettin' worse..."

"After twenty years of two packs a day I'm gettin' what I deserve. That's what I'm tryin' to tell ya, son. The choices you make now will determine the rest of your life." He puts his hand on Y/N's shoulder. "It only takes a moment to turn...but a lifetime to turn back. You understand what I'm sayin'?"

"I think so."

Johnny smiles. He hates playing the hard ass.

"C'mere...."

"Aw, dad...."

"Now."

Y/N steps over as Johnny squeezes him in a rough bear hug. 

"Dad! Stop it!"

"Stop what? This?"

He rubs his chin into Y/N's neck giving him a razor burn.

"I'm not a little kid anymore!"

"Then stop riding like one!"

"Okay! Okay! I promise!"

They both start laughing and wrestling until:

"Y/N?"

They look to see Zooey step into the tent. Y/N quickly pulls away from his father, trying to recover his cool. He starts smoothing his hair.

"Hey. S'up, Zooey?"

"Hi, Mr. Blaze."

Johnny nods to the girl.

"Zooey."

Y/N turns to his father with pleading eyes. 

"Can I detail the bikes later?"

Johnny sighs. Young love. What are you gonna do?

"Go on. Get outta here."