New Perspective [Robert Villanueva]

(5)

Competition day. This competition is big for me because one all of mine and Brick's friends (except Robert) are coming. And two because this is my qualifier for The Ride Off. The Ride Off is a very big thing for me because that is when you get sponsors. Sponsors means you are in. The Ride Off is always out doors by the beach. The more you can do the higher you are ranked. Ranks are only used for team mate competitions. Since I ride a skateboard and bike, I am in level 4 which is the second highest level. There is only one other person I consider my rival- Gavin. Ever since I have been training he has always been a problem. Always cocky, arrogant, and a major dick. Did I mention we are on the same team and level?

This competition is either within our team or against a few other teams, we never know. The only thing our coaches tell us is to be prepared to win and that's it.

"Ali if we don't leave now you are going to be-"

"Late!" I called down to my friend in the foyer. "I know Cassie. You only said it like three hundred times." She rolled her eyes as we walked through the first floor to my garage. "I was trying to find my lucky-"

"Ew! Your lucky socks? Those are nasty you hoe bag." She smacked my arm and I laughed. I shrugged like usual.

Inside Lane's car was Michelle and Blake- yes Blake is a girl's name. Lane brought his friend also know as Blake's boyfriend- Nathan. I have nothing to say about Nate other the fact that he is too nice.

"Aye faggot! You ready to win?" Lane and the others greeted me as i climbed into the passenger seat. White Walls was playing from my 'Turn up' playlist. An old friend introduced me to that song and I really liked it so I keep listening to it.

The rest of the car ride went normally; singing, getting honked at, running a red light, hopping over seats- the usual. That is what happens when you put six 18-19 year-olds in the same car. Right when I stepped out of the car the nerves hit me like a wall. My stomach got queasy and I had a strong urge to pee.

"Looks like little Alison has to pee. Don't worry I'll get you there!" Lane announced as he lifted me up and ran down the walkway to the back doors. He ran so fast that I could feel the flyaway hairs blowing around. As he slowed down and tried to steady himself he stomped along the path, almost sending me to off his back. I swiped my card over the small black box on the wall so we could get in. Lane stuck a wooden triangle under the door so the others could get in.

He dropped me to the ground and exclaimed, "We have arrived!" I laughed my ass off as I stumbled to the bathroom stall. When I was done I looked at myself in the mirror.

"You look like Katniss Everdeen."

"I look like Katniss Everdeen."

Michelle and I said at the same time. We gave each other weird looks, but then smiled. My hair was twisted into a French braid that curved to the left side of my head. This is one of my only hair styles that will fit under my helmet.

"I'll see you in the stands, Shell. I have to go get checked in." She threw up her signature 'stay fierce sign' and told me to watch out for Gavin. Oh great, he is here too. I wasn't expecting him to arrive until ten minutes before the competition. To say he is great would be an understatement. Just like myself, Gavin is a very fast learner. It only takes him a week to learn new tricks and stunts. Everyone knows he is competition. I beat him once , but that was in a preparation practice. Gavin and I don't compete against each other, but if we did it would be close.

I kid you not that the second I stepped out of the restroom Gavin saw me. It wasn't even on purpose. He glance my way then did a double take. Nate was talking to him. I forgot they were friends. But I have to walk past him to get to the girls room; so I braced myself for the worst. Two more steps - we made eye contact - 'Walk faster!' I told myself. He and Nate took up almost all of the room in the hall, forcing me to squeeze behind Gavin. Actually no. I am going to ask him to get out of my way.