Racing for Freedom

chapter Nine





When I finally reach my unit, I stare up and smile. It’s all mine. I walk up the small stone pathway and unlock the door. When I step inside, I peer around. It’s fully furnished, which is kind of good, because I don’t have much. I had to pay a touch more for it, but it’s still affordable. It’s not new, nor is it a stunning place, but it’s nice, cozy and all mine. The kitchen is small, with black counter tops and basic appliances. The lounge holds one couch, a small television and an old rug. The two rooms down the halls both have new queen sized beds, I’m grateful for that. One has an ensuite. I take that one.

The bathroom and toilet is small in both the ensuite and the main bathroom, but it’s certainly something I can deal with. The laundry is at the back of the unit and has a door that leads out to a rope clothesline. I drag my suitcase down into the hall and into my new room. I drop it on the floor and peer around. It’s bland but I can make it work. I begin slowly unpacking and thinking about the race this afternoon. God, if I lose…

“Hey!”

I spin around to see Payton standing at the door, grinning.

“Pay, hey!”

“Nice place, it’s not bad.”

“It’ll do.” I grin.

“I bet you’re so glad it’s yours?”

“I am, I feel free, unleashed.”

She laughs. “So, are you going to get a roommate?”

I frown and she notices. “Uh oh, what’s that look for?”

“I made a huge…mistake.”

“What?”

She’s on the bed beside me now, staring at me with wide eyes.

“I made a bet with Slade.”

“A bet?”

“Yes, a bet.”

“What sort of bet?”

“He was taunting me and I told him I could beat him. He was hassling me about being my housemate because he needs a place, and so he bet me that I couldn’t beat him. If I don’t, he gets to move in.”

“Oh Dash, you didn’t.”

I swallow. “I did.”

“Now what?”

“We race this afternoon, down on the old beach track.”

“If he wins…”

“I know,” I groan.

“Can’t you back out?”

“Well…I could but my pride won’t let me. I have to beat him, Pay.”

“Honey, this is silly.”

“I know, but it’s too late now.”

“Pull out, you can pull out.”

“I couldn’t live with more taunting if I pulled out, no, I have to go.”

She sighs. “Fine, what time?”

I look down at my watch. “An hour.”

“You taking your car?”

“Yeah, I won’t touch dads.”

“Alright, well, I’m coming with you.”

I raise a brow at her. “You’re coming with me?”

“Yes, I’m coming with you.”

I shrug. “Ok Pay, you can come if you feel the need.”

She smirks. “Oh I do.”