A Quarter Mile | An Elsanna Story

Chapter 3: At First Glance | Elsa

   I stared at my pedals in defeat. I had lost. It was over. Everybody would know. Word gets around quick here. There goes my reputation. My pride. Taken away. Everybody will make fun. I thought. At first, I was right. Everybody crowded around Anna's car, taking pictures and dying to get her autograph. Just for beating me. But then, everybody crowded MY car. At first I thought they were going to rub this loss in my face. But surprise came across my face when they started saying:

   "Yo! That was so cool!"

   "Y'all should rematch!"

   "So close! But that was awesome! You're both so awesome!"

   This kind of respect made me smile. It made me feel loved. Not just because I was, but because of their good sportsmanship. After the race was over and the crowd had dispersed, I decided to have a little get together with Anna. We both pulled into the same lot that had been booming with people about an hour and a half ago. 

   "Those were some fine racing skills ya used back there." I complimented.

   "Thanks! You were great too." She replied.

   There was a long silence.

   Finally I broke it with a confession.

   "Listen, Anna. I'm sorry for the way I treated you back there. It's just that.." I paused, not knowing if I should, or could rather, continue on with this personal subject. I looked at Anna, at her reassuring deep blue eyes. 

   "Don't worry, you can tell me. I won't judge." She said sympathetically. I find it odd how such a ferocious racer could have such a sweet heart. I observer her face for the first REAL time. Her skin is so smooth, and the freckles just add on to her cuteness.

   Wait. What?

   What am I thinking? Why am I observing her like this? I've never been so interested in anybody's looks before.. I shake those thoughts out of my head and continue. 

   "It's just that.. nobody really supports me anymore. Not my family, not my opponents. The only people who really support me are my fans.. but that's not really the kind of support I need right now." I fight the urge to cry. Anna's face remains blank, then turns into a sympathetic look.

   "I think I get it. Your family.. they don't like you racing.. do they?" she questioned. That was exactly the problem.

   "Yeah.. no.. they don't." I said shakily.

   "I would understand," Anna began, "Because my family hates me racing too." My eyes widened at that confession.

   "Well maybe.." I said, stepping into her car and locking mine, "We could support each other?" 

   "That would be amazing." Anna admitted. We both gazed into each others' eyes for a while, neither of us realizing it. We both looked away, blushing profusely. 

   "I liked this, Anna." I said.

   I like YOU Anna. I push that thought to the back of my head. 

    I began to get out of her car, but she motioned me back in. 

    "One more thing Elsa."

   I looked at her, awaiting her words.

   "We're in this together." she said, and pulled me to her.

   I felt a soft pair of lips on mine.