by Raathi Chota
“Not yet,” he muttered. “I’m gonna find out what happened, Lana,” he said with his back faced to me. “Remember, I always find out. You can’t keep anything from me.”
I shook my head as I watched him approach my closet. He opened it and looked inside. “Get ready. We’re going out,” he said as he went through my clothes.
“Where are you going?” I asked.
“We’re going for a drive,” he said with a smirk plastered on his face. My eyes widened as he pulled out casual clothes. He then pulled out a pair of black lingerie and whistled. My cheeks flushed as I grabbed them from him and stuffed them in my drawer. “Damn, I need to find out what happened while I was gone.”
“You’re acting as if you’re the innocent one here, coming to save everyone when you’ve done much worse with no explanation!”
“Can’t we talk about this another time?”
“No! You left me, Levi, and I had to find out from your mom that you were too busy even to pick up the phone and call!”
“I did call the other day!”
“Yeah, one fucking year later to say you can’t wait to see your princess!”
“Why must the guy always call when he fucks up?”
“Well, since I called a million times and sent dozens of messages, it wouldn’t hurt to call or text back!” He let out a dry laugh as he threw his hands up in exasperation.
“You wanna know why I didn’t call? Because I felt guilty for doing that to you! When I wanted to apologize, it was too late, and I wanted to do it in person but never had the balls to! That day when Griffon yelled at me, I knew I fucked up badly, and I didn’t want to be more of a bad influence on you, so I left,” he screamed. “Each day went by as I looked at the phone, wanting to call you, but I didn’t know where to start. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have left you.” His voice dropped to a whisper. There was silence as I stared at him. His tall figure slouched, and he held a gloomy expression. I watched as he took out a dress from my closet. “I was hoping that this would make you forgive me.” He held the dress by the hanger as my eyes widened. It was the same dress I found on my bed on Thanksgiving; I always wondered who got it for me.
“I-it was you.”
“Yeah. I asked one of my friends to drop it off, but they said you weren’t home, so he snuck into your room and placed it on your bed.”
“Thank you,” I whispered as I thought of Keene Stoner in my room.
“Did you wear it yet?” He put it back in the closet. I nodded, and he slowly bit his lip. “You must’ve looked stunning,” he mumbled, then turned to me. “Since I bought it.”
I playfully rolled my eyes as he took out an outfit and tossed it onto my bed. He looked at me, then at the clothing as he licked his lips.
“You’re gonna look hot tonight.” He winked. I watched as he walked out of the room and told me to meet him by the car.
I locked the house, then walked to his car and got into the passenger seat. The White Stripes played as we drove. I got some of my music taste from Levi. One day I came home, and he had his friends over and “Still Waiting” by Sum 41 played, and I couldn’t help but bob my head to the music. When his friends left, I asked him what song it was, and from that moment I found bands on my own.
The drive was quiet as we arrived in a familiar area. The streets were piled with cars as people chatted. I’ve been here with Levi before, but something else made my stomach turn. All the buildings were closed for the day, which made it the perfect spot for the youth.
“I can’t believe you still do this,” I said as he parked the car.
“You know me, I love to see my baby on the road,” he said as we got out of the car. Whistles and cheers surrounded us as people approached.
“He’s back!”
“Now the show’s getting started.”
“Levi Radcliff, what a surprise,” a familiar voice said as I looked over my shoulder to see Keene. He’s Levi’s friend who always tagged along when he raced. Keene and I hung out, but only when Levi was around. When he left, I never saw Keene again. His messy brown hair fell onto his face as he smiled at his friend. He was two years older than me, and when it used to be the three of us, I’d always look at him as an older brother. He appreciated it since he lived in a rundown apartment. “Thought you left us for the babes in California,” Keene joked as he hugged Levi. His eyed landed on me as he let out a low whistle. He eyed me up and down as I blushed. “But I see you already got yourself one.”
“Back off, dude. She’s mine,” Levi replied as he slung his arm around my waist. I raised a brow at him as I pulled out of his hold and approached Keene.
“Hey, Keene,” I greeted as we hugged.
“’Sup, Lana? Almost didn’t notice you there. Love the outfit.”
“Thanks.”
“Yeah, I found a whole lot of new things in her closet,” Levi said as he winked at me. I rolled my eyes as I glanced around at the few people who watched the race. It was illegal, and I died on the inside, but what the heck? I had a rough weekend, and so far, things were going well. Levi would win like always, and we’d go home. I turned back to see Levi gone and Keene next to me. I raised a brow as I frantically searched for him but only found his car lined up for the next race.
“Where’s Levi?” I asked.
“He’ll be back, just sorting out a few things before the race,” Keene said as he placed his hand against the wall and leaned on it. “So did you like my gift?”
“Yeah, but you could’ve left a note or something.” I laughed at the thought of Keene climbing into my window.
“Where’s the fun in that?” he rhetorically asked as Levi approached us with a pack of cigarettes. I watched as he opened the pack and took out one and gave it to Keene, then one for him.
“Remember how to smoke, princess?” Levi asked as he held a cigarette. I reached into my pocket and took out a lighter as I took the cigarette.
“How could I forget?” I grinned. I lit it and took a drag. Levi smirked as Keene took the lighter and lit his. He blew out a smoke ring as we watched the cars. Girls passed by and eyed Levi, but once they saw me, they sent daggers. Levi was a well-known racer, he used to do it a lot in the summer, and people loved him.
“Don’t worry…I won’t tell anyone about the pack in your room,” Levi whispered as he stood next to me. I turned to him with my brows squinted and was about to ask when a loud roar erupted. We turned our heads to see a crowd cheer. I squinted my eyes as I watched a Lamborghini Aventador turn a corner, followed by a Subaru STI, yet I noticed how touched up they were. “Who the hell are they?” Levi asked as they parked and people crowded their cars as they checked them out.
“They’ve been coming here for the past few weeks, and they’re kind of good, man,” Keene said as we watched them get out of the car.
“Well, they certainly haven’t gone up against me,” Levi said through gritted teeth. I almost did a double take as I saw Ethan and Carter get out of the Lamborghini and Aidan and Blake get out of the Subaru.
“You’re versing them tonight,” Keene stated as girls crowded around them.
“Then let’s go and introduce ourselves,” Levi said with a smirk plastered on his face.
Chapter Two
Lana
Levi was well known in elementary school for his pranks and humorous gestures. Ethan and Aidan knew him, but Carter came in the freshman year. Blake arrived this year, so they wouldn’t know each other. I squinted my eyes as I watched everyone remark on them. Girls crowded around them as guys checked out their cars. From the corner of my eye, I saw Levi and Keene stroll toward them. I threw my cigarette on the ground and crushed it as I leaned against the wall. Levi spun around with his brow raised.
“You coming or are you waiting for an invitation?”
I gave him an innocent smile as I shook my head. No way would they know I was here, especially with Levi Radcliff.
“I’m comfortable here,” I said as my eyes flicked toward the crowd. “Good
luck.”
Levi raised a brow as he took in my strange behavior. He rolled his eyes as he gestured for Keene to follow him. I wandered along the wall as I watched Levi. As soon as people spotted him, they parted like the Red Sea. Ethan leisurely leaned on his Lamborghini as Aidan sat on the hood of his Subaru. All eyes were on Levi and Keene as they approached the cars. Keene stopped in the middle as he gazed at Carter, who had a girl wrapped around his waist. I watched as Keene smirked while Levi walked around their cars and took in every detail. Aidan got off the hood of his vehicle and stared at Levi in suspicion.
“Nice car. Too bad it’s a piece of shit,” Levi stated as he touched the Subaru.
“Interesting,” Aidan said as he tilted his head. “Let me add that to the things I don’t give a shit about.”
There were a few snickers and whispers as Levi strolled up to Aidan. He let out a dry laugh as he towered over him.
“Who the fuck are you?” Aidan demanded. Levi must have found the situation hilarious as he laughed. I glanced at Ethan and noticed him eyeing Levi apprehensively. Carter received strange looks from Keene while Blake smoked.
“Wow, your memory must suck, Rowley.”
I couldn’t stand to hear them any longer. There was a bistro where everyone hung out while the races took place. I decided to go in there while they bickered. I entered the bistro and saw guys who appeared to be around my age and older. They gave me flirtatious looks. I rolled my eyes at them. I walked to the counter and sat down on a stool. There was a flatscreen TV displayed above showing what was going on outside; they had cameras all around the area. I could see Levi and Ethan talking, and I noticed the tenacity in their eyes. A random guy appeared and broke the two up. He must’ve said something about the race. Levi gave a simple nod as he turned to Ethan and Aidan.
“What can I get you?” the guy behind the counter asked.
“Water please,” I said. He smiled as he handed me the glass then turned to the TV.
“He’s back.” The guy laughed as he looked at Levi. I glanced up to see them ready at the starting line. There were four cars at the traffic light: Levi’s Mustang, Aidan’s Subaru, Ethan’s Lamborghini, and a guy in a Chevrolet. I heard their engines from outside as they looked at each other. The camera showed each car and how it ignited. The flag girl came in the center wearing what normal flag girls did to catch everyone’s attention. Everyone in the bistro stared at the TV as she took a white flag out of her crop top. She held it up as she glanced at each racer. I sipped my water eagerly at the thought of who’d win. Keene said they’re good, but Levi’s raced for three years. It’s like everything happened in slow motion as she bent down and lowered the flag. Then they sped off.
Chevrolet was second as Aidan led the way. Levi trailed behind, but I knew him. The Chevrolet took a right turn, and out of nowhere Ethan popped out and bolted past him. Cheers filled the room as I looked around to see a familiar blond walk in. Oh no. I looked forward as I heard Carter’s voice echo through the room. I placed my hand on my forehead to make myself less noticeable. I heard him approach girls and couldn’t help but eavesdrop. When I turned, I saw the girl slap Carter then walk out of the bistro. I laughed at his probably lame pick-up line and decided to watch as he approached another group. He said a few lame ones but ended it off with a dirty one. I almost choked on my water as I looked over my shoulder to see that the girls gaped at him. The one he said it to stomped his foot with her heel then walked off with her friends. He yelped in pain as he spun around, which made me turn back quickly. I think he caught me as I heard footsteps behind me.
“Oh, girl, after tonight you’ll never forget my name,” he whispered. I tried so hard not to react but couldn’t help it as I spat out my water. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Carter raise a brow as he sat down next to me. I turned to him, and his eyes widened. “Lana?” he exclaimed. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“I should ask you the same thing. What’s with the dirty pickup lines?”
“I’m bored, and I have needs.” He winked. I scoffed as I turned back to the TV.
Ethan was in the lead as he tried to block Levi. The Chevrolet took a chance and bolted past the both of them. Carter scrunched his nose up as he took a sip of my refilled water. I knew he thought of the pick-up line he told me, and I couldn’t help but grimace. I watched as he chugged down the whole thing then turned to me with a wicked look in his eye. “Look, Lana, you’re my friend, but I simply cannot have sex with you even though I wan—”
“I don’t want to!”
“Do you know how hard it was that time when I slept over?” he asked with a flustered look. “You move a lot in bed. That’s why I had to go shower before you saw my friend.”
“Too much information there, Carter.”
“You’re hot and everything, but I can’t bang you—besides, bro code.”
“Ugh!”
“Strict bro code, even though I want to.”
“I’m going to sit over there now,” I stated as I hopped off the stool and walked to the other side. I sat down and still got a view of the TV. Thankfully, Carter didn’t follow as he saw another girl. People threw profanities at the TV as I glanced up. I could tell Levi was pissed since Ethan blocked him. Levi swerved onto the sidewalk as he squeezed his way past Ethan. I smirked as I watched Levi catch up to Aidan and the guy with the Chevrolet.
“Well, you seem lonely.” A deep voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I spun around to see a guy who looked to be a few years older than me. He had long brunette hair and a pointy nose.
“Nope,” I replied, then looked at the screen but noticed that he took a seat beside me.
“You look pretty bored.” He placed a hand on my shoulder. “I can keep you comp—”
“There you are, gorgeous!” a familiar voice said as the guy dropped his hand. I watched as Carter squeezed in between us and literally blocked the guy from physical contact with me. “Who’s your friend?”
“Brooke.”
Carter let out a snort as he took in Brooke’s appearance. “Brooke?”
“Yeah got a problem?” Brooke asked. I face palmed myself because I knew what was coming.
“That’s a girl name,” Carter stated as I rolled my eyes.
“No, it’s not. Do I look like a girl to you?”
“Well, err…yeah,” Carter said as he pointed to the long hair. Brooke stood up and towered over Carter as he clenched his fists. “I have slept with two Brookes, and they were definitely females, so I don’t know what happened to you, bro.”
Brooke let out a dry laugh as he ran his hand through his hair. I stood up and hid behind Carter, who seemed as big as his freaking ego.
“I’m going to give you three seconds to run, and if you’re not gone, I’m going to beat the shit out of you, Blondie,” Brooke hissed.
“Surprised you can actually count that high.”
“Carter!” I yelled as I tugged on his arm.
“One.”
“You’re almost there.”
“Two!”
I grabbed Carter by the ear and dragged him out of the bistro. I mouthed a “sorry” to Brooke, who glared at us. Once we were outside, I let go of him and watched as he rubbed his ear in pain.
“You have a tight grip,” he moaned as he caressed his ear.
“And you are the stupidest person ever! Brooke is a unisex name!”
“I know, I just wanted to have fun.” Carter winked.
“Come on, let’s go inside, and if he’s there, I’m leaving you,” I stated, since the race was almost finished and I wanted to see who won. Carter nodded and walked in front of me as we strolled back to the pub. He raised a hand and told me to wait while he peeked inside for Brooke.
“The she-male is gone,” he whispered. I rolled my eyes at his immature behavior as we walked into the bistro. We decided to sit in a booth where we’d still see the TV. Everyone was occupied with the television as the race went on. I watched as Levi sped past Ethan and drove si
de by side with Aidan. The finish line was close as both cars leaped forward. Ethan caught up too as I bit the inside of my cheek. The guy with the Chevrolet was nowhere to be found as everyone focused on the three.
“Come on, Levi,” I mumbled. Then what happened next took us by surprise as Levi swerved into Aidan’s car and made him hit the brakes. All sorts of reactions spread through the room as people gasped, cheered, yelled, and some even ran outside. I watched as Ethan hit the brakes too because if he didn’t, he would’ve driven right into Aidan.
“What the fuck?” Carter yelled as he rose to his feet. Then like always, Levi sped past the finish line as people applauded. I watched as Carter stared at the TV in disbelief, and I grinned. I approached him with a blank look on my face as I tapped him on the shoulder. “I’m gonna check if they’re okay.”
“No, wait!” I said, then pulled him back. “You can’t let them know that I’m here.”
“Why are you here in the first place, Lana?”
I anxiously licked my lips as I looked at the TV, then Carter. He followed my gaze as his eyes widened.
“You’re with him?” he demanded as he pointed to the screen, which showed Levi.
“Well, no and yes. Please, Carter, I don’t want any more trouble,” I begged. He let out a deep sigh as he looked at me, then the TV. I watched as he ran his hand through his blond locks and shrugged.
“Fine, but then we act as if this whole ‘pick up line’ moment never happened, okay?” he asked with a grin.
“Deal.”
He smiled as he walked out of the bistro, and I bit my lip agitatedly. I glanced back at the TV and saw Aidan’s car stopped. As soon as it was parked, Aidan jumped out of the vehicle, followed by Blake, who sat in the passenger seat. They darted toward Levi, who smirked as people congratulated him. My eyes widened, as I knew what would happen, so I bolted toward the exit. I stood in the shadows as I watched Aidan approach Levi with a furious look.
“The fuck was that?” Aidan yelled as he pushed past the people.
“That was street racing…” Levi sarcastically replied.
