Street Heat

Chapter Three - Full Throttle

Day of the race - Friday, 9:30 pm.

School was a blur, I barely listened to the chatter and teaching around me, it would be a miracle if I had retained an ounce of what was said. I got a ping on my phone, from Magnus.

Magnus: You sure you're ready for this?

I replied with a smile on my face, despite all of my nerves.

Me: Kinda too late to back down now, huh?

He liked the message. I grabbed my favourite jacket and burst out the door of my house. As I got into my eclipse, ready to head to the race, I felt a mix of determination and exhilaration. I was about to revisit the adrenaline-fueled world I loved so much. The streets blurred as I sped through the winding roads, the cool night air rushing through the open window. The anticipation was electric. I navigated familiar turns, feeling the weight of my decision settle in my gut. I was ready to prove myself tonight. As I approached the meet-up spot, I spotted the gathering crowd, their voices mingling with the distant thrum of music and engines. A mix of excitement and nerves surged through me. I pulled into the lot, parking my car among a fleet of modified rides, each one a testament to the passion that brought us all together. Stepping out of my car, I took a moment to soak in the atmosphere, the laughter, the banter, the unmistakable scent of gasoline mingling with the night air. I caught sight of Roman leaning against his car, a confident grin on his face. His presence drew me in like a fly to light. He looked effortlessly badass, wearing a fitted black t-shirt that accentuated his toned arms and a cocky smirk that sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

"Lottie, you made it!" he called out, pushing himself off the car to approach me.

"Of course! Wouldn't miss it." I replied, trying to sound casual despite the giddiness bubbling inside me.

"You ready?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I hope you brought your A-game. I plan on leaving you in the dust."

"In your dreams playboy, you better keep up." I shot back, a playful grin spreading across my face. I walked back over to my baby blue car that sparkled along with the stars, where Magnus was waiting for me. He waved and I gave him a soft hug, playfully hitting his baseball cap down on his forehead. He smirked, his cheeks growing ever so subtly pink.

"So you're pumped, huh?" He asked as he readjusted his hat, flipping it backwards instead. I nodded, a big grin on my face and he gripped my shoulder gently. "Good. You've got this."

His words were encouraging but I wasn't so sure. I got into my car and drove up to the starting line. The unusual silence of the crowd was deafening, all I could hear was the subtle rumbling of other racers' cars and my own. My eclipse purred beneath me, and my bucket seats cradled me. Magnus pulled his car beside mine, and he gave me a dorky thumbs up. I smirked, playfully flipping him off and he chuckled as he switched his focus back to the street ahead. The countdown echoed in the air as engines roared to life, each rev sending vibrations through my chest. My heart raced, the adrenaline pumping through my veins. I gripped the steering wheel, eyes locked on the starting line. The girl with the flag was silent, and the anticipation grew stronger. A playful smirk then plastered across her makeup-drenched face, and she lifted the flag with one of her arms.

"Three! Two! One! Go!" She shouted, and with an aggressive wave of her arm going downwards, the flag went down. With that final shout, we were off. Tires screeched against the asphalt as I launched forward, the overpasses blurring into a kaleidoscope of colours. I felt the familiar pull of speed as I shot into the lead, but as the cars jostled for position, I quickly realized I was falling behind. Roman shot ahead, his car soaring smoothly through the corners, the distance between us stretching. I scrunched my face, discouraged and frustrated, but I buried those feelings in the ground. I pushed harder, the sound of my engine roaring, but the competition was fierce. I could feel the pressure building; this was my moment, and I couldn't let it slip away. The thrill of the race coursed through me as I navigated each turn, searching for an opportunity. As we approached a particularly tight corner, my intuition kicked in. I remembered the shortcut, the one not many knew about, hidden from the unaware racers. I glanced at my competitors and checked my rearview mirror discreetly. With a deep breath, I took a chance. I drifted sideways, my tires screeching as I hit the shortcut, my heart pounding in my ears. The world tilted as I maneuvered through the narrow path, the smell of burning rubber mixing with the sweet scent of freedom. I felt the rush of exhilaration as I regained control, the thrill of the shortcut opening up before me like a secret passage. I cruised back onto the main road, the sound of engines roaring behind me. An arrogant smirk tugged at the corners of my lips and my tongue brushed across my teeth. The adrenaline surged through me as I shot past Roman, his eyes widening in surprise. I could see the finish line ahead, just within reach. The roar of the nearby crowd faded into a distant hum as I focused on the moment, determination igniting a fire within me. I pushed the pedal to the floor, the car responding like an extension of my own body. As I closed in on the finish line, Roman was right beside me, a fierce competitor determined not to let me win. But I was ruthless. I could feel the power of the engine beneath me, my instincts steering my every move. I looked over at him, and gave him a teethy and dimpled smile, waving flirtatiously. In a final burst of speed, I shot past him, crossing the finish line with a rush of euphoria. The crowd erupted in cheers, and I couldn't help but grin, the high of success washing over me. I had done it. I had won. After the race, the adrenaline still coursed through my veins as I parked my car and stepped out, the cheers of the crowd fading into a buzz. People gave me impressed nods and a few congratulated me. I spotted Carlos, weaving through the pack of fans and racers. His signature grin was plastered across his face as he approached me.