Ride or Die

Chapter One - Coming Out

RIDE OR DIE

Chapter 1

The sun had set a while ago. Here I am, leaning on my bedroom's balcony railing on a New Year's Eve, just taking in the scenery in front of me. The city's always looked beautiful during this hour, but the peace and quiet it portrayed tonight due to the lack of bustle, made it all the more breathtaking. I don't get many chances like this to just collect my thoughts and, I don't know... breathe, I guess? It's a feeling that comforts me, but can't afford to get used to.

"Anna."

A familiar voice reached my ears and I couldn't help but groan. I knew that tone of her voice anywhere. Come on... How many times do I have to tell her that I'm not going?

I was planning on ignoring the voice with the hope that it would turn around and walk away, but knowing her, I knew that it was useless.

Didn't stop me from trying though...

A few seconds of silence later came a knock at my bedroom door. Well, knock is putting it lightly. Really, really, lightly.

"Anna Radcliffe!" The wannabe gorilla at my door continued to yell. "You'd better open up this door by the time I count to three, or I swear I will get Johnny to break this door down." *Pound pound pound*

The mental image of my friend pounding her chest and crying out like Tarzan entered my mind. A chuckle escaped my mouth as I shook my head.

"Gigi, have you actually tried, I don't know... Opening the door?" Another familiar voice spoke. Oh, yeah... This is gonna be good.

I straightened myself from leaning my forearms on the balcony railing, turned around and leaned my backside on the railing instead. I had the perfect view of my bedroom door from where I was standing. Crossing my arms, I readied myself for the show I was about to witness.

"What do you mean by 'have I tried opening the door'? Johnny, just who do you think I am? Of course I've tri- "

Just then, the door flew open and in walked a black, 6'4 tall man, who I know as Jonathan Simone.

"Told ya," said Johnny as he continued to stride towards me without turning around to face Hana, aka Gigi, who was frozen at the door. "And you, my friend," he pointed at me. "Need to start getting ready."

I uncrossed my arms and leaned my elbows on the railing. "Why would I need to get ready?" I pretended to be clueless. Johnny had already reached my side. This man was so tall that I had to crane my neck just to meet his eyes.

"Cause you're coming with us." Johnny pointed out and grabbed my elbow to pull me back into the room. I was too lazy to resist so I let him.

"Where are we going?" I continued to play dumb some more. At the door, Hana was still gawking with her mouth wide open. "Close that mouth of yours, chica (girl). You'll catch flies." I teased her and she shook her head, breaking out of her reverie.

Johnny gave me an incredulous look. "You know..." He started waving his free hand like it's gonna help a person remember. "The New Year's bonfire by the tracks. We told you over the phone that we'd be picking you up at nine." He let go of my elbow and walked towards my small walk-in closet and began rummaging through my clothes to find an outfit. I was still standing in the middle of the room so I went to sit at the edge of my bed.

"Hmm... Nope, doesn't ring a bell," I said while tapping my chin mockingly. "But what I do know is that there's this book that's just waiting to be read, and the chaise lounge at the balcony is already warm and ready for my butt to sit on."