Adrenaline Racer

Chapter 7

I went through the tour, looking around the huge stadium with huge eyes and the biggest smile. The whole place was great, amazing even.

But the one thing that made the whole thing 10 times better was when I got to see my race car.

A black Chevrolet SS sat in my garage, covered in sponsor stickers company names. My jaw dropped open at the shiny car, just waiting to be ridden in.

"This is your car," Mr. Montgomery informs me.

I walk into the garage, my mouth still open wide. I trailed my hand along the shiny exterior of the car, sleek and brand new.

"Do you like it?" Mr. Montgomery asks.

I look back at him, a look of pure awe on my face. My eyes dart back down to the race car, and I back up a step from it.

"Are you kidding?" I say, "I love it!"

But the thought of not driving my Celica popped up. I let my hand slip off of the race car, slowly backing away from it. I stare at the streamline car, practically begging me to drive it. My face goes blank.

"You okay, babe?" Aaron asks, gently holding onto my elbow. I glance back at him and give a small smile, nodding.

But Aaron can see through it. He looks into my eyes, and I can tell he knows I'm not being completely honest.

"Mr. Montgomery," he says, turning his stare to the man watching us, "Can you give us a minute?"

Mr. Montgomery glances between us, bu solemnly nods.

"I'll be right outside whenever your ready," he says, closing the door as he leaves.

Once he's gone, Aaron whirls around to me. I let out a deep breath, combing my blonde hair with my fingers.

"Luna," he says. But I turn away from him, spinning on my heel to the race car. Aaron watches me skeptically, his eyebrows furrowed.

"Thank goodness, he's gone," I say, drawing a circle on the Chevy with my finger.

"What is going on?" Aaron asks, trying to get my attention off the new car. I glance at the car, taking it in.

"I don't like this new car," I say, turning around to finally face Aaron. He shrugs, glancing around the garage until his eyes fall on me.

"I'm sure we could fix that," he says, oblivious.

"I don't think I'm ready to move on," I say, beginning to explain.

Aaron shakes his head at me.

"What does the car have to do with that?" he asks.

I look back at the midnight colored car. It was nothing compared to my Toyota Celica.

"I don't want to race without my Celica," I pull down the sleeves of my hoodie and cross my arms over my chest, glancing down at the ground, "I don't think i want this anymore. I'm not ready to move on..."

Aaron's expression goes sad, and he immediately understands. He stretches his arms out, inviting me in. I look up at him, tears in the corners of my eyes.

Slowly, I walk over to him, letting his arms engulf me and press me into his chest. I sniff, burying my face in his button-down shirt, wrapping my arms around his back.

"I think you can do this," he whispers to me, "but its your choice. Whatever you do, I'll be there with you."

I smile into his chest, wiping my eyes the best I can without leaving the safety of his warmth around me.

"I love you," I mumble, making him hug me tighter. He rubs my shoulders a little, leaving little kisses on the top of my head.

"To the moon and back," he whispers.