Pain of Love - Tom Kaulitz

Ready Set Go

As we roll up to Rego Park, the air is electric with anticipation as the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the city. A series of revving engines, and excited chatter fills the atmosphere, creating a symphony of adrenaline and excitement. The crowd is filled to the brim, from different corners of the city, people have come to witness this supposed street race.

I am no expert in cars, but I know a sweet ride when I see one. I glance over at Nick who is practically reeling with excitement. "Holy shit." He gasps, as we file out of the car one by one.

Ash glances around the crowd, presumably in search for his group of friends. "Noah!" He shouts over the throng of people. A man with buzzed bleached hair and piercings turns at the sound of his name, his eyes instantly lighting up at the sight of his friend.

"Hey man!" He exclaims, the girl attached to his side smiling brightly at us. "Glad you could make it, you guys wouldn't have wanted to miss this race." A fizz of excitement bubbles through me at that.

"You know I'm not one to miss a race." Ash states.

"Of course." Noah says, before glancing at Nick and I. "You must be the cousins!" His hands gesture to us as he says so, before bringing Nick into a firm handshake, then me.

"I'm Noah, and this is Roxy." Roxy waves kindly at us. She wears a leather jacket, and a neon tube top underneath. Her hair is black aside from the occasional streaks of pink that scatter carelessly throughout.

Nick and I introduce ourselves, before we're pulled through the swarming crowd by the hands of the eager Roxy and Noah, Ashton close behind. We find ourselves landed in the VIP section, conveniently right beside the starting line, where all sorts of powerful sports cars are situated, their engines humming menacingly. A vivid array of colours dance across each vehicle, with shades of fiery red, deep navy, and pristine white.

I point ecstatically at them, my hand tapping Nicks side, who waits expectantly for the race to commence.

But it is one car in particular that draws my attention.

The last to take its place at the starting line, its engine rumbling lowly. A striking vehicle as black as the night sky above, so black it reflects the buildings and lights surrounding it. I am almost certain it's an Aston Martin. I squint my eyes, but the inhabitant within the car remains unseen due to the tinted windows concealing them.

My ears prick up at Noah and Ash's conversation. I listen carefully. "Great, there go my chances of winning cash tonight." Ash groans, eyeing the black car. "Fucking Kaulitz is racing."

"You didn't bet on him?" Noah asks, a surprised expression on his face.

"I would have if I knew he was racing tonight." Ash grumbles. Noah claps his hand on his friends shoulder as Roxy laughs. "Unlucky, man."

"So who did you bet on?" I ask, inserting myself into the conversation.

Ash points to the navy sports car closest to us, it's engine revving with intensity. "That car there. Silas Crenshaw. He's a good driver." I stare at the car for a moment, before Ash adds with a hint of venom: "Just nothing on Kaulitz."

"Who's this Kaulitz guy you speak of?" I question.

But before anyone can answer me the crowd begins to go wild. I glance up at all the cars in a line, preparing to take off. A pretty asian girl walks in front of the starting line holding a black and white checkered flag. She is wearing short shorts, a black crop top and knee high boots.

"Can't wait for this," Nick states, shaking my arm. I smile up at him before looking back to the cars.

The flag girl raises the flag and waves it in the air before dropping it to her side. I barely have time to blink before the cars engines roar to life and they immediately take off. My heart thuds in my chest with anticipation. The drivers manoeuvre through the initial chaos, jostling for position as they aim to take advantage of any opening on the road.