when i turned 18

Euphoria {Chapter 11}

The drive to Leia's place felt interminable, my thoughts bouncing between Cassidy and the uncertainties ahead. The city streets blurred past as my mind replayed the day's events, a loop of frustration and anger. By the time I pulled into her neighborhood, the weight on my chest felt marginally lighter.

Her house came into view, and something caught my eye immediately. Parked right next to each other in the driveway were my two favorite cars of all time: a silver BMW M5 F90 and a fully blacked-out Acura TL. My breath hitched, and for a moment, all the day's troubles evaporated.

I got out of my car, my gaze glued to the pristine machines. The BMW's sleek lines and aggressive stance were mesmerizing. Next to it, the Acura TL exuded an understated menace with its dark, glossy finish.

"Is someone in love?" Leia's voice cut through the silence. I turned to see her standing at the front door, a playful smile on her lips. She walked over, her hands resting casually at her sides, wearing a simple black crop top that complemented her confident demeanor.

"Unquestionably," I replied, a genuine grin spreading across my face for the first time in hours. "Whose cars are these?"

"Mine," she said nonchalantly, flipping a strand of hair out of her face.

I blinked. "No fuckin' way."

"Yeah, well, my dad's a bit of a car enthusiast. He passed the bug onto me," she said with a shrug. "The BMW's my daily driver, and the Acura's for when I feel like showing off a bit."

I whistled low, admiring the M5. "That's some serious power. The F90 can push over 600 horsepower, right?"

She nodded, her eyes lighting up with shared enthusiasm. "Exactly. And it's got the xDrive system, so it's all-wheel drive. Makes a huge difference in handling."

I moved to the Acura, appreciating its dark, predatory look. "And this beauty? It's rare to see one in such mint condition. What've you done to it?"

Leia's face brightened. "A lot. It's got a turbo kit, upgraded suspension, and a custom exhaust. It's pushing close to 450 horsepower now."

"That's impressive," I said, genuinely impressed. "Bet it sounds sexy as fuck."

"It does," she agreed, her smile widening. "Want to hear it?"

"Absolutely," I said, unable to hide my excitement.

She handed me the keys to the Acura, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Go ahead, start her up."

I slid into the driver's seat, the leather cool against my back. The car felt perfect, like it was made for me. I turned the key, and the engine roared to life with a deep, throaty growl. The sound sent a thrill through me, a perfect distraction from the day's frustrations.

Leia leaned in the window, her face close to mine. "Feel better?"

"Yeah," I admitted, the tension in my shoulders finally beginning to ease. "I think I needed this."

She smiled warmly. "Good. Come on, let's head inside. My friends are dying to meet you."

With one last appreciative glance at the cars, I followed Leia into the house, ready to face whatever the night had in store.

I followed Leia into the house, the low hum of conversation growing louder as we approached the living room. Two people were lounging around, laughing and chatting. They turned to look at us as we entered.

"Hii, guys, this is Andrew," Leia announced, her voice carrying across the room with a hint of excitement.

The first person to stand up was Malachi. Tall and broad-shouldered, with medium-length, tightly coiled hair that had a mullet-like shape, his hair was darker at the roots and lighter at the tips, giving it a textured, layered look. He extended his hand with a friendly smile. "Been a minute, what's good, Drew?"