Leap Before You Think

Chapter 15

"What are we doing?"

"I'm teaching you how to drive."

"But who's car is this?" I ask as I sit down in the driver's seat. I place my hands on the wheel and a shock of adrenaline runs up my spine.

"Someones," He shrugs as he buckles himself up.

"Judah."

"A staff member owed me a favor."

"And who was that?"

"Lorie," he groans, "Just trust me."

"You didn't steal it?"

"No, I didn't steal. When have I ever stolen something?"

He's not serious, is he? Back in fourth grade, he landed me in hot water by stealing a necklace from a store and giving it to me. As a result, he served a week in detention, and I was constantly monitored. I resented him for his actions, and to some extent, I feel that some of that feeling still lingers within me.

"Fine." I cave in, "How do I start it?"

He patiently explains every detail to me: the intricacies of using the brakes, the control of the accelerator, and the importance of monitoring my speed. As I press the button to start the car, the powerful engine roars to life, sending a rush of adrenaline through my veins. Glancing at him, I see a proud and joyful smile on his face. I wonder if it's because I've agreed to this new challenge or if he's simply delighted to see how quickly I'm picking it up. Suddenly, a loud bang echoes behind me as the gym doors burst open.

"Nightly! How dare you steal my car keys, boy!" The gym coach screams.

I shift my gaze back to Judah. His once bright smile has vanished, replaced by a look of apprehension as his eyes lock onto mine. The thought of giving him a piece of my mind, if we survive this ordeal, crosses my thoughts. I shoot him a penetrating glare filled with such intense fury that it cannot go unnoticed.

"You said you didn't steal the car!" The anger in my voice is clear.

"I didn't, not exactly anyway."

"You little snake. Get out of my car." The coach is still screaming.

"Drive Lorie!"

Judah blinks, and it's as if a switch flips in my head. With a surge of adrenaline, I follow his command and slam on the gas. The car lurches forward, and he lets out a wild, almost maniacal laugh. As he rolls down his window, the wind whips through his hair as he leans out and hurls an insult at the coach. When he rolls his window back up, I steal a glance at him. His smile is back, but I can't muster one. Just as I open my mouth to speak, I'm interrupted. His hand darts to the wheel and he abruptly jerks it to the left.

"Eyes on the road!"

"Sorry,"

I steadily drive along the road until I arrive at the imposing front gates that signify the boundary of the Chief's land. My mind races with questions. How are we supposed to get past this formidable barrier? It's clear that knowing the code and having permission are the only ways forward.

"What now?"

"Hold on."

He steps out of the car and makes his way to the gate, he opens the door on the lockbox and starts playing with it. He appears agitated, entering random number combinations with a sense of urgency. After at least five minutes, he glances up at the sky, mutters something under his breath, and then retrieves his gun. With a determined look, he takes aim, fires, and chuckles to himself. Miraculously, the gates swing open wide in less than five seconds. He strides over to my door and swings it open, revealing a confident smirk on his face.