history. | SWEET PEA [2]

CHAPTER THREE

BECCA always hated the first day of school each year.

First thing in the morning, her mother would make her and Reggie pose in front of the house before they left for school. It was a ritual she'd kept up all these years, and somehow neither of the Mantle siblings had ever gotten out of it, no matter how much complaining they'd done.

This time though, as the two posed with their backpacks on their front porch, Becca's father stood behind her mother, watching with complete disinterest as she shouted commands and her phone continued clicking.

"Okay, now just Reggie dear, Becca go stand off to the side. But don't go too far! You're next sweetie!" Melinda winked at a grumpy-looking Becca.

"Mom, we're going to be late for school!" She argued, hoping that might deter her mother's photo-taking.

"No, you won't, now Reggie hold still!" Her mother was quick to reply as Reggie let out an irritated sigh.

By the time she was done taking pictures, Becca was sure her brother would need to break speeding laws for them to get to Riverdale High in time. Just as they were about to pile into his car though, their father stopped them.

"Before you two leave, Rebecca," He turned to the dark-haired girl with an even expression, her eyebrows drawing downwards in confusion, "I have something for you. Think of it as a late birthday or back to school gift."

Before she could say anything, he pushed the button that opened their enormous garage, the door clanging against the side of their house as it rolled up. Inside, beside her mother's minivan, sat a shiny, new Chevrolet Impala. The car was similar to Reggie's, however it was obviously a much newer model, and light blue in color. Becca's mouth dropped open. Was that for her...?

"Aw Rick, that was very sweet of you," Her mother grinned at the two of them, rubbing Becca's shoulders excitedly as she continued to stare at her 'gift'.

"I...uh," She blinked rapidly, her thoughts trying to keep up with her mouth as she slowly approached the vehicle, "I don't know what to say, dad."

She smoothed one hand along the sleek surface, careful not to leave fingerprints on the sparkling metal. Reggie walked around it, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise as he surveyed the car. From their years of working on cars, the two already had a good eye for them. And this one was quite a beauty. Their gazes locked from across the hood and Reggie looked pointedly at it before motioning discreetly to their father.

"You don't have to say anything, you deserve it for all of your hard work," He continued, a proud smile stretched across his face and a knowing glint in his eyes. Becca caught his double meaning and swallowed slightly.

"Thank you, it's...wonderful dad," She finally managed to get out, a sort of strained smile replacing her surprised expression.

"Well go on, honey! You two are going to be late for school!" Her mother shooed them inside of it, the keys already sitting in the ignition.

Becca hesitantly turned them in place, and the car roared to life, its engine purring smoothly. For a moment, she forgot that her father had been the one to give it to her, that this was her payment for doing his dirty work, and that she was taking blood money from a criminal. All of that faded away as her pale hands gripped the leather of the steering wheel.

She'd always loved being in the driver's seat of a car, ever since her and Reggie learned to hijack their father's cars and joyride them on the weekends. She shifted the vehicle into drive and lifted her foot off the brake pedal. A thrill of excitement shot thought her as she eased the car out onto the roads and picked up speed.