Cartels

prologue

❝ 'cause i can see the sun light up the sky, so i hit the road in overdrive ❞

- the weeknd

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Flashback

16 years ago...

I awoke to the sound of sniffing coming from downstairs. My eyes flutter open and I admire the huge canopy above my bed. Papa got it for me for my birthday last year, and Mama got me a couture dress which was very pricey. In all nine years of my life, there hasn't been a day since my parents spoiled me. 

I cautiously make my way down the grand staircase, my fluffy slippers making soft sounds against the expensive marble flooring. As I enter the gigantic living room, I see my parents on the plush couch, hugging each other. 

"Mama?" I squeaked once I took in her state. She was crying on Papa's shoulder while he soothed her lovingly. Both of their heads snapped towards me, displaying looks of grief and concern. 

"What happened?" I muster, scared of the way two waterfalls flow down my parent's faces.

"Oh, Nelly! I hate to tell you this but... Coco's gone..." Mama trailed. The moment those last words left her mouth, I froze.

"Wha-What do you mean gone?" I asked in disbelief. No, no, no. This can't be happening.

"She passed away last night, dear," Papa answered sadly, extending his arms out. Instead of running into them like a normal person, my tiny legs decided it was best to start running in the opposite direction. While snatching one of the many expensive car keys from the coffee table, I dashed out the door. 

I had absolutely no idea what I was doing! I mean, I'm nine years old, for Pete's sake! My mind went blank as I stepped into the garage, trying to comprehend what's happening.

Despite all the uneasiness flowing within me, I entered a BMW and put the key in the ignition. Within, seconds, the engine roars to life and I instantly feel electricity pulse through my veins when I press my foot down on the gas pedal and speed through the streets. I've never felt more alive than I do at this moment, racing through various roads.

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Present...

I woke up in cold sweat thinking about the day I found out Coco died. The memory is inked into my brain like a tattoo, something I can never forget. That very night was the flame that lit the match of passion within me. After I realized that I loved the feeling of flying through the city, I started street racing. Yep, that's right. I was a child who street raced. Past tense. 

However, I stopped when I got into college. I decided to start a new life, free from any illegal activities. Of course, it's difficult to cut ties with close friends, so I still keep in touch with them. But my street life has been left behind, and on the other side of this new leaf, is my medical career path. I figured saving people's lives is a better alternative to breaking the law. 

I look back at my textbook and continue studying for the big test coming up in one of my classes. I've been at it for hours, my head pounding in my ears―similar to when the crowds would cheer for me. 

Ugh why am I thinking about racing again?, I ask myself although I know the answer. I miss it. I miss the way that nobody knew anything about me, thanks to my mask. It was just me, my car, and the audience chanting 'Coco!'―my very well known racing name. For her. Unwanted memories appeared in my brain about the last moments Coco and I spent together. It was so hard for me to accept the fact that she's dead, but racing made me forget. It made me forget about homework and bullies. It made me forget about my parent's rocky relationship. 

Racing made me forget about my dead best friend. Even if it were for a fraction of a second.

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{A/N}: 

Hi my little giraffes! The prologue is sort of a filler chapter so y'all know the beginning of Chanel's street life >:) mwahahaha

But do not fret! I will gift you guys with five chapters on the next update because I know that this prologue is shit :)

Don't forget to drop a VOTE and FOLLOW for more!

xoxo,

calligiraffy