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“Ready to race again?” Kai patted down my sleeves, removing the creases for it. A crowd had gathered, hearing the news of a new race with a returned racer. Nerves ate at my stomach, almost making me feel sick.
My gaze spread over the track beginning, my car lined up perfectly with enough space beside Rima’s. They had offered to race me, saying it would be a better way to get into it again. Obviously I had agreed. I don’t want my first race back being against a complete stranger who thought I had retired early.
There were probably a thousand or more people around the starting area, most of which I didn’t recognise. I found familiar faces in the crowd, Ollie, Nugget and Sage all messing around together, Ollie inevitably jumping on Sage to be carried, with them all laughing their asses off.
That seemed to ease my nerves a little. Even if I don’t win, it’s my friends. They’re here, supporting me regardless of the outcome. I tried to search for my family, for Cassie and May, but I couldn’t find them within the sea of people. Probably a little further down. It’s fine. They won’t miss my first race back.
A few others were in the crowd that I recognised; Dawn, Fal, Sunny, Lonan; A few more here and there that I don’t remember the names of. “Auggie?” I snapped my gaze back to Kai, realising I didn’t respond.
“Hm? Oh. Uh- yeah, hopefully. I’m glad I’m racing Rima, I don’t know how I’d be if it was someone else.” I let out a half-hearted chuckle at the end, though it was more of a titter than anything else. Kai nodded, gaze filling with slight worry. “I’ll be fine, I promise. If I feel like I’m gonna crash, I’ll pull out.” I reassured, putting a hand on his shoulder– despite the height difference. “I know how to race.” I lightheartedly joked, patting Kai on the shoulder before dropping it, shifting my weight on my feet and gazing around in agitation.
Almost instantly, I saw 5 familiar faces approaching me. For a moment, my nerves eased. My mother was the first to embrace me, to which I returned it. “Auggie!” Penelope jumped into my arms, to which I held her with both my hands.
“You’re getting a bit heavy for me now, Penelope.” I joked, letting her hug me. She hit me a little on the back of the head for the remark, gaining a laugh from us. “Promise you’ll be safe?” Penelope asked, genuinity within her childish voice and blue eyes.
“I promise.” I replied. “Swear on the emerald?” “I swear on the emerald, I will be safe. You don’t need to be worried, Penelope.” I replied, a gentle tone to my sister. “Okie dokes! You can put me down now.” She said, the quick switch-up a little jolting to me, though I was glad to put her down. My arms felt lighter now, and May came up to my side, quietly clinging to my leg. I placed a hand on the back of her head, attention turning to my father.
My dad, the champion of 70 races nearly consecutively, now retired, and held the collection of trophies back home. He made his way over, limping with the use of his cane, his left leg still cripple from the accident. I still feel guilty over it, like I should’ve driven less recklessly. But then again, I get it from him. How else did he win those races?
A soft look was on his face, wrinkled with age and white hairs showing within his own black hair and beard. However, despite the dullness of his body, his eyes still shone a vibrant blue, something like the sun reflecting off of the ocean.
I hugged him, a tightness that wasn’t enough to restrict him, but enough to remind myself that he’s still alive. He wrapped his free arm around me, squeezing me just a little before we stood back.
“Hey sweetheart,” He greeted me, planting a kiss on my forehead. Gods, did I miss him. “Drive good, okay?” I nodded, not wavering my gaze from his face. I sure hoped this wasn’t my last interaction with them all.
“I have something for you.” He said, reaching into the back pocket of his jeans. Curiosity piqued within me, pricking my skin. He pulled out a car tag with two chequered flags crossing over each other by the handles.
“It’s beautiful, thank you Dad.” I took it, a wide smile I found impossible to wipe plastered onto my face. “It’s a good luck charm. I had it in my car when I won the races, and I think it’s appropriate for you to have it too.” I hugged him again, my gaze quickly returning to the tag.
“This means the world to me, genuinely. I’ll put it up on my car before the race starts.” As if on cue, the horn blared to signal the race starting soon. My attention snapped to it, watching as Rima finished talking to the group, and Sunstar walked out with the green flags to the middle of the road, evenly standing between the two cars.
“We’ll get out of your hair and let you prepare for the race. Drive fast, Superstar.” My dad said, turning to walk away. The others followed, May taking Cassie’s hand, everyone shouting a final ‘good luck!’ to me.
Kai had returned to the sidelines, and I saw Sammy appear behind Sunny, scaring the shit out of her. I shook my head a little with a chuckle, amused by their idioticness. I walked to the drivers side, stopping before opening the door.
“Good luck, Rima.” I said to my friend, my opponent. He smiled, nodding. “You too, August. Try not to crash, though?” It was a joke, I know it was. I laughed, finding the humour in it, though it only sparked up my nerves even more. A crash. I can’t have that again.
I gripped the car tag, opening the door and sliding into the drivers side before shutting the door once more. The familiarity of the Audi R8 e-tron greeted me like my father’s arms, warm and always welcome. The leather seats, leather and wood steering wheel, the metal Audi logo on it, everything seemed to remind me of my previous racing days. The time where I won most of my races, seemingly living up to my fathers’ name.
I clipped the tag around the rearview mirror, letting it dangle and sway as I got myself comfortable. I connected my phone to the bluetooth in the car, and joined the call with Rima in it.
“Have fun, Sunflower.” Rima’s tone had a tease to it, and they muted up. I rolled my eyes at the nickname, replying to the comment. “Try not to eat my gas this time, Firewalker.” I teased, muting myself.
I put my spotify on, shuffling my racing playlist. The Distance by Cake came on, and I wrapped my hands around the wheel, reminding myself of the feel of it all. The countdown began, and each second felt like hours.
My mind flashed with memories of the race. The joy my father and I had, finally able to race him. Looking over and seeing his black hair through the window, the jokes we had going. Instructing me on the track, reminding me when to use my breaks. I always did test his limits, as he panicked with each corner I braked late with.
“3…2…” My grip tightened around the wheel, revving the engine as the car sat in neutral. I heard the familiar roar of the engine, deep and menacing, preparing for a good race. Rima revved their engine too, it’s engine with a higher tone to my own. Pathetic.
“1!” The commentator announced, the flags waving down. I put the car into drive, stepping on the exhaust. The engine roared, and Rima and I were off. The car hissed, popping slightly as the speed grew, and looking back into the rearview mirror I noticed Rima just behind me, and the crowds slowly vanished behind me. I focused back on the road, the familiar sound of the guitar and the drums of the song filling me with adrenaline.
I haven’t felt this alive in ages. I continued to step on the accelerator, late-breaking around the turns. I managed to keep the inside line, quickly regaining my top speed. Rima was driving close, too close for comfort. I looked in the wing mirrors, watching as he continued to creep closer to the car.
Slight fear began to prick at my skin, not really wanting my car to be damaged within my first race back. Gods know how much that’d cost. I exhaled long and hard, returning my stare to the road ahead. I readjusted my grip on the steering wheel, turning the corner smoothly, sticking to the inside line.
Rima pulled around the outside, quickly gaining speed on the straight. I kept mine up, but soon enough we were racing side by side. I took this as a challenge, a smirk growing as I stepped on the accelerator once more, climbing to a higher speed.
Rima clearly had the same thought, just barely pulling ahead with the corner. He took the inside line, forcing me to fall behind them. I let out a slightly frustrated sigh, tightening my grip and placing my foot on the accelerator once more, trying to return to my original speed.
Rima continued to pull forwards, soon the gap between us became larger than I wanted. Rima swerved, confusing me. Why the fuck did he swerve? I didn’t have time for an answer. My wheels spun, and I tried to regain control over the car.
A dark, reflective liquid shone on the road, stretching out along the road, falling to the right side of the road. Rima continued to go forwards, only the faintest trail of oil in their tracks. Panic rose within me, quickly sitting up straight to focus.
I frantically turned the wheel, trying to straighten up. The oil lost the grip on my tires, shining its colours from the reflection of the setting sun. Memories returned to the forefront of my mind, only raising my panic. His car skidded, drifting around a corner. Losing control of the wheels, crashing into a tree and not able to get out.
The car continued to drive sideways, sliding across the oil. Sweat budded on my skin, sticking to the hair on the back of my neck. I promised I’d be safe. I said I’d be okay. I can’t lose it now. Rima was further away now. He had the advantage. The track didn’t have too much longer to go, however I wouldn’t risk losing.
I pressed down on the breaks, turning as I did so and drove out of the oil, regaining my grip slowly. I was now out of the oil, driving it off on the flat, clear part of the roads. I pressed down hard on the accelerator as the beat continued to build, my engine roaring and spitting, the same deep sound that radiated each time I pressed down. It was music to my ears, and filled my body with adrenaline. I won’t lose this race.
I saw Rima’s red and black car up ahead, turning a corner. I continued to accelerate, reaching 100 km/h relatively quickly, and kept climbing higher with each moment. I braked late again, and this time we had a shorter straight, the final corner, and the final straight to the finish line.
I slowly caught up, though they turned the corner before I could get closer. “Good luck catching up, Auggie.” Rima spoke through the call, taunting me. I’ll catch up alright, and I’ll beat you. I pressed down on the accelerator after the final corner, reaching my max speed and roaring down the road, quickly closing the gap between us.
I could imagine Rima’s reaction: A look in the rearview mirror, readjusting it, trying to go fast, and potentially some fear with it. It’s what made me keep going and not give up. I pushed the car further and further, taking it to its limits.
I was now tailgating Rima’s car, 1 kilometre away from the finish line. I pulled out from behind Rima, pushing the accelerator one last time to get past Rima. I gained speed once more, continuing to push it. Rima stayed the same speed, slightly speeding up.
Rima was just in front of me when the finish line was within a few hundred metres. I pushed the car more. Wheel to wheel we raced now, and adrenaline rushed through my veins. I needed to win this, no matter how close it was.
I continued to push the car, pulling ahead at the last minute. Sunstar waved the chequered flags as we passed the finish line, my nose just ahead of Rima’s. I had done it. I had won my first race back. A giddy feeling came over me, my muscles I didn’t realise had tensed had untensed themselves, making my whole body feel light.
I heard the commentator, however I left the call before I properly heard anything. I stopped my music, not registering it had changed to a different song. I allowed the car to slow, stopping it to the side of the road. Rima had slowed to a halt a little ahead of me, and to the other side of the street, making a clear path down the middle.
I stayed inside my car for a little, catching my breath. I didn’t crash. I didn’t lose. I didn’t lose. I let my hands rest on the steering wheel, running them up and down the top part slightly, grounding myself.
I heard the crowd cheer when Rima stepped out of the car. They were loud, and it was bound to be louder for me. I took a few deep breaths, the adrenaline still rushing through me, just not as quickly. I could feel my pulse in my throat. I was parched.
I sighed, bracing myself for the fans to be screaming. I gripped the handle, and pushed the door open. The noise flooded into my ears, though it didn’t make me upset like I thought it would. The adrenaline was still there, probably what made everything still seem so surreal.
My father was the first to get to me, giving me a hug. I returned it, though it was light with surprise. Sunstar handed me the trophy, saying “Well done, August.” To me. My father took my hand, and he lifted it, our hands raised in the air.
That made the crowd scream, and I saw the excitement and warmth within Sunny’s face amongst all the chaos. That calmed me down the most. It always does. I’m not sure why, but she always seems to have a way to do that.
I smiled, wide and gleefully. I had won my first race back. That was a great way to begin the season for me. I lifted the hand holding the trophy, making the crowd scream louder. I noticed Rima to the side, cheering along. I’m glad he wasn’t upset about it. It was a tough race.
.-~{+}~-.
Our legs dangled over the edge of the flat rooftop, the late-night city lights glistening below us. The night was clear, and it was quiet on the rooftop of the hotel. Nights like these were my favourite. Sitting here with her, quiet and calming, being able to say or do anything and it won’t matter. Because we won’t be judged for it. I won’t judge her and they won’t judge me.
Sunny, sitting on her hands to keep them warm on the cooler night, nudged me with her shoulder. “That was a good first race today, Auggie.” Her voice was warm and quiet, just enough for the two of us. My gaze turned to her, watching as she kept eye contact.
“Yeah, it was. I had a rough patch, but I’m glad I recovered from it and didn’t damage the car completely.” I agreed, a half-hearted titter on the end of the statement. Sunny hummed, tearing her gaze from me to the cityscape in front of us.
She leaned her head against my shoulder, listening to the world around us. I leaned my head against hers, readjusting my position to be more comfortable for the two of us–causing her head now in the crook of my neck and shoulder.
Cars and trucks honked, cyclists rung their bells, sirens wailed, faint music carried on the wind. The sounds of the main city never ceased to amaze me. The wind was gentle on us, a soft breeze that carried cool air after the hot day. “You’re a good racer, Auggie.” Sunny said, her voice a little quieter than before. She went to take my hand, to which I allowed without hesitation.
“Mmmmh?” I replied, watching them rub circles onto the back of my hand with their thumb. She nodded a little, scooting closer to me, enough to close the gap between our sides.
“Mhmmmm.” She replied, resting more weight on my shoulder. “Maybe one day you can beat me in a race, y’know, live up to your last name.” Sunny said, her voice slowly becoming slurred slightly with tiredness.
I fell silent, thinking about it. Live up to your last name. I turned my gaze back to the city. There was the familiar roars of engines, cracking and sputtering and yet fast on the smooth roads. And then sirens wailing. Police had found the practice street racers.
“Maybe one day I will, though winning 70 races in this age with Madi here would be pretty tough.” I countered, and Sunny stopped rubbing circles on the back of my palm.
“But you’d be able to do it though.” I lifted my head to look at Sunny properly, who lifted theirs to look at me, too. Genuinity gleamed in their eyes, sincere with each word coming out of that mouth. “You have the skill, if you didn’t stop when you did, you’d be getting close to that level.” Sunny was a lot closer than I originally thought. My stomach fluttered at the fact, quickly turning my gaze away. The moon was only half-full, not enough to emit the light to see my pink face.
I stared up to the sky, watching the stars glisten within the dark sky. “Yeah, maybe…” I hummed, leaning back. Sunny kicked her legs up onto the rooftop, laying down and putting her head on my lap. I was far enough away from the ledge for it to be safe, but I still put a hand around her just to make sure.
Fuck. Why was Sunny that close? I can't keep having these feelings for my best friend. I know she doesn’t feel that way about me. She’s just my friend. I need to move on from those feelings. I kept staring at the sky, admiring its beauty. The moon always shone regardless, and the stars are always there to look to. They’re always there to exist, to talk to, even when no one else is listening.
I sighed, leaning back and laying down. Sunny shuffled to my side, placing her head on my chest. We laid there for a while, watching the stars, slightly talking, but mostly enjoying the company of one another. The past week I’ve been bust practicing for the race, and I barely spoke to them.
“I’ve missed you.” I said, my voice quiet in the air. Sunny turned to face me, taking my hand and rubbing circles on my fingers again.
“I’ve missed you too, Auggie.”