Start Small, End Big.

Building A New Connection

Liam is at the car wash, drying off a car when he spots Hope. His previously somber expression brightens into a smile at her arrival. Hope is one of the few people who truly understands him, sharing his deep love for cars. Liam's eyes drift to her Stinger GT, and a grin forms on his face.

Liam: Hé (Hey), Hope. I didn't expect to see you so soon again. Your car looks clean. What's up?

Hope steps out of her car, chewing gum and smiling.

Hope: Eh, I just came here to talk. I was bored, so...

Liam chuckles.

Liam: Bored? Vraiment (Really)?

Hope: Yes, really, (chuckle). But you seem down—what happened?

Liam's smile fades as he looks down, sighing.

Liam: Agh, my mère et père (mom and dad) got mad at me last night for going to the race. We had a big argument, and I stormed off.

Hope's eyes widen in surprise.

Hope: Jeez, je suis désolée (I'm sorry). I'm sure they'll come around, though. I get why they're worried, but don't stress, Liam. You're not alone in this boat. Tons of racers go through the same thing—it's a sad reality, really. But things always get better, especially when you have the right people around you. (Chuckle)

Liam glances at Hope, a small smile tugging at his lips.

Liam: Like you?

Hope nods confidently.

Hope: Yeah, like me. Us street-scene people always have each other's backs. That said, I care about you too, as a friend. (Chuckle). I get what your parents are doing—they just don't want to see you get hurt. And honestly, I wouldn't want that either.

Liam smiles softly, appreciating her support.

Liam: Merci (Thanks), Hope. It means a lot.

Hope: Anytime, Liam. Nous sommes comme une équipe, toi et moi (We're like a team, you and me). (Chuckle)

Liam: I guess we are kind of a team, (chuckle)

A brief silence passes between them as they smile at each other. Before the moment becomes awkward, Hope speaks again.

Hope: Oh yeah, d'ailleurs (besides). There's another street race coming up. That's the real reason I came to talk to you.

Liam perks up, curious.

Liam: Quoi (What)? Why?

Hope smirks.

Hope: Well, there's this thing in the street scene where newcomers eventually get challenged to a race. And... I think you know where I'm going with this.

Liam's face lights up with excitement.

Liam: They want me to race? No way!

His excitement quickly turns to nervousness.

Liam: But...what if I suck? What if I lose?

Hope: (chuckle), no, Liam. You won't lose. It's just a solo lap. They want to see what you—and that Veloster N—can do. KDM cars are rare here in Montreal.

Liam: My car's not KDM.

Hope: Well, yeah, but it's Korean. Whatever—you know what I mean. (Chuckle)

Liam: But why?

Hope: Like I said, they just want to see you drive. Really drive.

Liam scratches his head, still nervous.

Liam: But—

Hope: Don't worry. Barrett and I will be there to support you.

Liam: That's better, I guess. Wait, you know Barrett?

Hope: Yeah, I know him pretty well. Most people do—he's the "Barrett Sniper."

Liam: How do you know him? You're not like...

Liam hesitates, fumbling for words, then uses his hands to awkwardly press his index fingers together. Hope stares for a moment, confused, before bursting into laughter.

Hope: Pssshhhh! (Laughs). No, we're not together, Liam. (Chuckle) You're funny.

Liam blushes faintly but hides it well. He's never had much luck with girls due to his nerdy lifestyle, but Hope feels different—she understands him in ways no one else ever has.

Hope: God, no. (Chuckle). Barrett's just a respected racer. I wanted to pick his brain, you know? See why he's so good. Maybe I can learn something.

Liam's eyes widen in surprise.

Liam: You race?

Hope: Barely. When I do, I usually win. But I'm not really into the racing side—I'm more about the community. The street scene is special. It's one of the few things that brings people of all ages together. I don't want to lose that... that sense of connection, you know? It's hard to find things like that these days.

Hope pauses, suddenly realizing she's opened up too much. She shifts nervously.

Hope: Uh... anyway, don't worry about your lap. You've got people with you, including me. Bien (Good)? Ça sonne bien (Does that sound good)?

Liam smiles warmly.

Liam: Yeah, it sounds good. And, d'ailleurs (besides), I like that you opened up. It means you feel comfortable around me. At least, that's what my mom says. (Chuckle)

Hope blushes slightly but plays it off.

Hope: I suppose...you're welcome. (Chuckle)

They share a laugh and another brief silence, gazing at each other.

Hope: Well, I should get going. My papa (dad) might start worrying. See you at the race, Liam. I recommend you practice—really show them what you can do behind the wheel, alright?

Liam nods.

Hope: *Great. I'll see you then. Au revoir (Goodbye).

Hope hops into her Stinger GT, waving as she drives off. Liam watches her leave, feeling more drawn to her than ever. She truly gets him, and he hopes she'll always be there...