Her father wasn't home. He had actually taken today off, but had to go to work for unexpected urgent reasons. Now she knew those reasons.

When she arrived in an empty house, she felt lonely. Maybe she'd secretly hoped there'd been a surprise party at her house with garlands and balloons and even more cake... But Sam wasn't that popular. Her birthday was something she always looked forward to very much, but also something that was always disappointing. She was already happy if she got about fifteen happy birthday texts. So she sent her soccer team, The Red Dragons, if they had time for a game.

Within half an hour they were almost completely on the field. For two hours they played intensively. In the end Sam treated everyone to a Cara. Because she didn't have enough money for something more expensive, or she preferred not to spend it on that, but of course she didn't want to admit that.

In the evening she had arranged to meet a guy, Sebastian, from her school. He clearly had a crush on her and also played soccer. It was their second "date" (as he called it) and Sam had promised to pick him up.

At eight o'clock she was standing in front of his house with her Mini.
'Hey Sam, cool you can drive now.'
She suppressed a small smile: 'Yeah, it's pretty cool.'
'So, where are you taking us?'
'Well... there's a street race in Los Angeles that I would like to participate in. It's my first race and I need someone to support me. Do you like cars?'
'Yes, of course', Seb replied absently. But Sam wasn't quite convinced of his answer yet. After all, it was standard for boys to say they liked cars, even if that wasn't quite true. Sam had watched a street race many times, but she'd never really competed. Mostly because most wouldn't allow anyone under sixteen to participate.

On the way there, Seb and she talked about small things: she about her practical exam and he about soccer.

When they arrived in the more desolate part of Los Angeles, there were already quite a few cars listed. All highly tuned and painted. Out of the corner of her eye, Sam saw that Sebastian looked a bit frightened out the window. Fortunately, she found a spot next to a well-known Nissan R33.
'Hey Sam! That's a long time ago, nice to see you here', a tall blond lanky named Elijah called out to her. She gave him a warm smile.
'Today is my first race. I'm sixteen now you know', she said proudly. 'Oh happy birthday!'
Seb apparently didn't like her talking to other guys. But the opposite was rather difficult, as 80% of the crowd was male.
'Is it smart to race in that box?' asked the slightly older guy across from her who had overheard the conversation.
'It's the driver who wins the race, not the car', Samantha cut in.
'Yeah, you've got a point there. But the car does make a big difference.'
'Chill mate', Eli interrupted him, 'I'll fix you against the juniors, Sam.'
'Thanks bro', she smiled gratefully.
'No effort. I assumed you didn't want to bet too much on your first race. We usually only bet for 25 euros.' 'Perfect'
'Shall we take a walk? It will still be a while before the racing starts', she suggested to Seb . He nodded.
Together they walked through the cars to admire them while Sam explained almost everywhere and sometimes saw some acquaintances. But after a while she realized that Sebastian was clearly uncomfortable. 'Do you like this? Because otherwise we'll do something else', but she knew she didn't mean it.
'I'm sorry, Sam, but I don't think this is quite my thing. But you've been looking forward to this for so long and I want you to drive your first race. Only I won't be there to support you. You're the only one I know here, and if you're in that car, where am I supposed to go?'
'But how do you get home?'
'Don't worry, my dad will pick me up. Good luck, I'll send you!' She already knew he wouldn't. So they said goodbye.

First the most serious race with the highest bet was run. (Supposing the police showed up, they had already done that.) After that it turned more and more towards amateur racing. Sam was fourth, along with Eli, the guy who stood opposite her, and three other young adults. Samantha wasn't one to stress easily, but when she got to the start line, her hands started to sweat . A woman who, according to her, was dressed much too naked gave the starting signal. She pushed her throttle and shifted to the highest gear as quickly as possible. The adrenaline she felt was so powerful. In the first corner a BMW m3 e46 drifted just in front of her. After a while she had no idea anymore in which position she was. She was so absorbed in the race.

It was a release as she crossed the finish line. When she stopped she noticed that her shirt was sticking to her body with sweat.
'In which position did I finish?' she asked who she thought was the organizer.
'You're third, kiddo.'
Only then did she noticed that a whole group was standing around the guy, who had just commented on her car, and his AMG Line A-Class.
Suddenly she felt a tap on her shoulder. 'Hey Sam, congratulations on your first race! What are you sitting there with a long face? You are third.' It was Elijah.
'Third is not first', she sulked.
'Oh come on, you're already in the first half. That's really good. I was last in my first race.'
'Yeah, actually, in which position did you finish?'
'Uhm... that doesn't matter, we were talking about you.'
But Sam gave him a stern look. 'Well I was fourth so ?' he looked irritated.
'Hey guys, nice race. Hey rookie, well done for a first time by the way', said the winner as he passed. Sam couldn't help but smile.
'Whaaat? And from Drake you do take the compliment?' said Eli, ironically disappointed.
'Is his name really Drake?' That had to be a too cool name to be born with.
'I don't know, probably not. But everyone calls him that.'

When she got home at ten thirty at night, she tried to be as silent as possible. Yet she did not escape her father. 'Samantha Hobbs! It doesn't mean that I have to work overtime that I sleep at work. Where the hell have you been?' her father reprimand her.
'Sorry okay, I was just hanging around with friends, you know for my birthday.'
Luke heaved a sigh: 'Of course you were... Just let me know where you are and what time you'll be home, okay. I was terrified.'
'Sorry. But everything is okay. I'll let your inter -follow know.' Exhausted she went to bed, because tomorrow was the big day.