I didn't know what to do. If I don't go I will be their main target forever and if I go I'll be humiliated in front of everyone. There was no way to escape.
"Wow I'm so excited for tonight! I've always seen such races in movies and today I'll be in one. It would be so fun!!", Arin said excitedly.
"I'll punch you in the face Arin!", I shouted. "If you had just controlled your anger today, we wouldn't be in this situation. I'm just freaking out with the fact that they will make us kneel down in front of everyone and you're just so relaxed and excited about today.", I added.
"Evan's a professional bike rider. I've seen him winning races. So basically its not like we are just sure to be loosing the game.", said Josh.
"See!! You are worrying for nothing Ash. Just enjoy the new experience you will be having because of me.", Arin said teasingly.
"Then why Chris has to compete against Evan? I don't think he is a professional rider.", I asked.
"Because Chris & Evan have a history. When Chris was in freshman year Evan was also in his class. They both got into a fight and had a bet on Evan's new sports bike. Whoever wins gets the new bike. Chris won the race and got Evan's new bike. So basically Evan's just mad at Chris and so they have this race often to win over the bike.", Josh told us.
"Bad bad boys. It feels like the scene from a movie. I wish someone fights to win over me!", Arin said.
The three of us laughed as we went back to our dorms. We agreed to meet at 7 PM sharp at the race course. I went straight to take a nap. I had to accumulate my energy for the race.
.....7 PM....
Me and Arin left for the race course. Josh was to meet us there only. I was so nervous my hands were all cold with the fear of what will happen there. We took a cab and reached the place.
There was so many people there. It was like a party going on there. A DJ, drinks, people were dancing there and everyone looked familiar.
"Hey babies what you guys doin here?", asked Sarah.
"We..we.. were called here by Laila and Chris.", I said.
"What but why?", Sarah asked.
Arin told her the complete story of what had happened and how we ended up in this mess.
"Laila's too much. I don't know why she is after you guys?", Sarah said.
"Anyway listen to me carefully now. Stay at the back and don't catch Evan's eye. He likes to mess up with girls and I don't want you both to be dragged in his matters.", Sarah informed us.
I got more nervous hearing Sarah's words. I have a bad luck since I got here and knew something would happen with me. Still I followed Sarah's suggestion and the three of us went to the back behind these fellow classmates. I don't know how these people like such things.
Just when I was busy with my thoughts I heard a loud noise of bike tires stopped after a sudden brake. I looked there and I saw him. He looked handsome. His leather jacket, his helmet, his boots everything looked so attractive I almost got lost in him. Thankfully he didn't notice me and I quickly shifted back more.
"Why are we hiding but? Its like we have committed some crime and now are hiding from the police.", Arin said irritably.
"Didn't you hear Sarah's words? She has asked us to stay away from these people for our own sake. Would you like to kneel down in front of them?", I said angrily.
"Its just a matter of a few minutes. We'll leave just as the race starts.", said Josh.
There was so much noise in that place. We were barely able to hear each others' voices. Suddenly my phone rang and it was Paul.
What should I tell him?
What if he asks me where I am?
It won't be good if I don't pick up his call!
What should I do? I can't lie to him.
In the end I answered his call.
Paul-[Hello! Ash! What is this noise? Where are you at this hour?]
Me- [I'm.. I'm at a birthday party. There are so many people here.]
I lied to Paul. Again.
Paul-[But you didn't tell me anything about it when we talked in the morning. Hello.. Ash! Can you hear me?]
Me-[I can't hear you Paul. I'll call back once I reach the dorm.]
I disconnected Paul's call and there was a kind of pain in my heart. I felt bad. I don't want to but I keep lying to him every other time and its heartbreaking. I touched the pendant Paul gifted me on my birthday. I closed my eyes and a tear fell down my eyes. I felt as if I'm becoming someone I wasn't. I was this simple girl back in Detroit. And now I'm just a girl who messes up with wrong people and get dragged to places where I never wanted to be. I was just into my thoughts when suddenly someone grabbed my hand and pulled me to the front.
"There she is. Miss Ashtine. You thought I wouldn't find you?", said Laila.
"What's wrong with you Laila. Why did you pull my hand?", I asked angrily.
Arin and Josh also came in front following us.
"Woah Woah!! Who's this girl Laila? I haven't seen her around much. Such a shame I missed such a pretty face this long.", said Evan.
It was the first time I saw Evan. And just as I had imagined him he was the same. A jerk. Chris was also there standing silently. He had no expression on his face. He didn't even confronted Laila for dragging me like that. He's different when he's with her.
"This is Ashtine. Chris's little butterfly who messed with the wrong person.", Laila said sarcastically.
"Ohhh... Come here butterfly let me take you on a good unforgettable ride today.", Evan said as he got down from his bike.
I was in shook. Evan's words gave me goosebumps. I was so scared. I didn't want to sit behind him that too in a race. Why is it happening to me?
"Keep Ashtine out of it Evan.", Chris said sternly.
Finally he's speaking up for me. I felt a sense of relief but at the same time I knew I was in this mess because of him. That stupid Laila thinks I'm behind Chris and that's why doing such things with me.
"Hey hey!! Take it easy Chris. I'm not doing anything to your butterfly. Just asking her to join me in this race. Do you mind it? Is there something going on between you two?", said Evan teasingly.
"No!! There's nothing between us.", I said immediately.
"Are you stupid Ash? Chris was helping you there but you just made yourself jump in the fire.", Arin whispered in my ear.
I don't know what got into me. I didn't want to relate myself to Chris in any way and that's why I denied any speculations immediately.
I looked at Chris and he looked at me fiercely. I knew he was mad at me for crossing him.
"Good to hear that Ashtine. Since you both have nothing going on maybe I would have a chance...", Evan was saying when suddenly Chris interrupted, "Shut the f*ck up Evan! Don't waste my time and just finish this stupid race."
Anger was flowing all over Chris. His body was shivering with anger and he definitely looked pissed. There was a complete silence for a moment and everyone was looking at us.
"Well then. As you wish.", Evan said and suddenly pulled me over to his bike. He grabbed me so hard my hand was aching.
"Hey! Put me down. How dare you pull me over on your bike? I didn't agree to join you in this race.", I shouted.
I saw Chris who was staring at Evan angrily. He clenched his fist and was coming over to us when I suddenly felt the bike starting. No way he was starting the race and cheating at the first place. He gave a long race on the accelerator and suddenly we were driving. We were riding so fast I felt as I was going to fall.
"Hold me tight Ashtine. Or be ready to get a good fall.", Evan said.
There was no way I was going to hold him. I somehow managed to hold the seat of the bike hard and kept my body stiff. My heart was pounding so much as if gonna come out. Suddenly I heard another bike's sound. I looked at my side and there was Chris riding his bike with Laila sitting behind him and holding him by waist tightly.
She gave me an arrogant look to show as if she owns Chris. I looked away. I didn't like her holding him that way.
"I'll get the bike and the girl both today Chris!", shouted Evan at Chris.
What the hell? What does he mean by get the girl? I'm not a thing like a bike that someone gets to keep it. What rubbish is he talking about?
I looked at Chris and his eyes were fuming flames. His anger was clearly visible from the helmet too. He pushed the accelerator hard and went ahead of us. Evan too hit it hard and now we were chasing Chris's bike.
I knew if I loose this race I would have to kneel down in front of these guys but on the other hand I didn't want Evan to win because what if he does anything to me! The race went on and on for five laps. I was exhausted. My mind was a mess. I felt my brain nerves were exploding. I just closed my ears with my hands. My eyes were closed and just praying that I come out safe from this race. Suddenly I felt silence. There was no motion of the bike and no winds crashing through my ears.
I opened my eyes and found out we lost!!
Chris was there. I was getting down from Evan's bike. Chris was coming towards me with anger in his eyes. He walked so fast his chains were swinging. I was scared to see him this angry. I didn't know if he will hit Evan or maybe me. I was moving back from Evan's bike but no use. Chris was coming towards me.
Chris came to me and said, "Race's over. I win."
He grabbed my hand and dragged me towards his bike.
I didn't know what he was going to do with me!!