♕Harley Anderson♕

I chew on the back of my pen in thought before sketching an idea down. After reading it over, my nose scrunches up in disgust and I scratch it out with a sigh. I lean back in my chair in frustration, running a hand through my hair before closing my notepad and grabbing a nearby book instead.

When I can't find the inspiration to write anything, reading is my go-to. It allows me to get my creative juices going while also providing a escape so that I can distract myself. I read a lot which is why my shelf is stacked to the brim with books that have been read numerous times.

Reading is a magical experience. Writers are creating colourful images in our minds with words of black and white on brown pages. They can make you feel all sorts of things; they are soldiers with snipers and the words are the bullets.

I'm turning my fifth page when I hear Audrey enter our apartment with Caleb trailing after her. She stubs her toes along the way and lets out a chain of curse words before Caleb laughs at her. When she finally enters my room, I raise an amused eyebrow at her.

"You should wash your mouth out with soap." I tease and she playfully glares at me.

"Physiologists have proven that you feel better after you swear."

I let out a snort. "Leave it up to you to put that study to good use."

She laughs lightly at me just as Caleb shouts: "Agreed!"

"Oh shush!" She yells back which I chuckle at. She rolls her eyes at me. "I bought cinnamon buns by the way." She says, walking out of my room before I trail after her.

I walk towards the shopping bag on the kitchen island and pull the pack out before breaking a bun off for myself. As soon as I take a bite of it, I let out a content sigh which makes Caleb and Audrey laugh at me.

"Where were you two?" I ask, passing the buns to Caleb.

"Practice." He says and I nod.

"How was it?" I ask Caleb and he smiles at me, his blue eyes twinkling.

"It was actually pretty good."

"Which is why..." Audrey interrupts us "we're celebrating."

I roll my eyes. "You'll literally find any excuse to celebrate won't you?" I ask incredulously and she smiles proudly.

"It's also spring break! That's a good reason to celebrate don't you think?" She counters back and I laugh.

"I was at a party last Friday, Audrey. I'm not really interested in spending today at another one."

Her and Caleb both give each other sideway glances that seem awfully suspicious and I stop chewing, eyeing the both of them with a raised eyebrow.

"I don't like the way you guys are looking at each other." I mutter and Audrey giggles.

"We aren't going to a party tonight." Caleb says.

"We're going to a car race." Audrey says and I immediately freeze, my eyes looking up to hers in excitement. As much as I would love to stay home and relax today, I can't miss a car race. I'll do anything to watch a bunch of beautiful masterpieces race each other. However, due to my love for cars, I usually get to know about these races before Audrey which makes suspicion crawl up my spine.

"This isn't legal is it?" I ask her slowly and she licks her lips before tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I don't feel comfortable going somewhere I can get arrested Audrey." I say, knowing that I'm right.

"C'mon, Harley. You love cars! Plus, when have I ever put you in danger? I wouldn't ask you to come if I was." She says and I kiss my teeth.

"It's really cool, Harley." Caleb adds. "Trust me. You'll love it."

I look between the two of them who stare back at me with hopeful eyes and I chew on my lip in thought. I haven't gone to a race in a really long time and it would be nice to go to one for once. And if Caleb and Audrey say it isn't so bad, it obviously isn't right? I mean, it's just a race. Nothing more, nothing less. And if I really do feel uncomfortable, I can just come back home.

I let out a defeated sigh. "Fine. I'll come."

Audrey lets out a loud squeal before dragging me to my room to get ready. However, I can't help the excited smile from forming on my own face.

****

I don't really know what I was expecting when Audrey told me it was an illegal race that we were going to. If it was anything but a race, I would've immediately declined simply because 'living dangerously' wasn't something I was keen on doing. However, when we pull up outside what looks like a dilapidated building that is now bustling with people in leather jackets and combat boots and girls in short dresses which hang to the guys' arms, I cannot help but feel excitement despite my nervousness because this place looks incredible.

I'm about to tell Audrey that when I catch sight of numerous vintage and classic cars as well as American Muscles parked on the empty land around the building, right beside the road. You can look out for miles and miles and all that you can possible see is bare land in front of the mountain with a few clump of trees here and there. The only other feature is the winding road that divides the land into two. However, the dust that has risen into the air along with the darkening sky makes it a strangely beautiful sight.

"We're finally here!" Audrey squeals as Caleb parks his car further down. Audrey turns to me with an excited smile. "You're going to love it!" She assures me. I respond with a nervous but excited smile before pushing my door open. I pull my hoodie tighter around my body as we walk with the rest of the crowd to the front of the building where numerous people are chattering and cheering away.

I take note of the kind of people around us and I shrink into myself. Most of them look like convicted criminals or drug dealers while I look like a lost girl in the middle of nowhere. It's nothing like the track that Cyrus used to take me to when I was younger. No, this one definitely has more than just racing going on. However, I still feel oddly drawn to the sight before me.

I catch up with Audrey and walk beside her, gazing at all the expensive cars in adoration before licking my lips. "How did you guys find this place?" I ask her and Caleb glances at me.

"Cameron races here. He's actually the best racer; the unbeaten champion." He responds and my eyebrows raise in surprise and my feet slow down on their own accord. Cameron races?

I try and think why I didn't know that. It should have being clear; he loves cars and knows so much about them. It's something that he often comments on and he's even studying mechanical engineering at the same college as Audrey and I so I don't know why I didn't pick up on that. However, besides that, he also fits the part. Cameron is intimidating which is perfect for this scene. He carries himself with confidence that some people could only dream of having and no wonder- he's a racer. And a pretty incredible one at the sounds of it.

As we reach the building, there are already two cars taking up the two lanes in front of it, ready for the race to begin. The two cars consist of a 1970 Mustang and a 1969 Camaro; both of them being pure beauties. People huddle around the cars with boisterous laughter and loud conversations that make my ears ring in alarm. I gaze at the cars, wondering which one Cameron is seated in.

"Move from the track everyone!" A loud voice demands and the crowd moves away from the cars that are now revving their engines almost immediately. A short, stocky man stands in the centre, his bald head reflecting the lights of the cars. Everyone stands beside the contraptions and I push myself forward- ignoring the grunts coming from people- to see the race clearly.

"Whoever wins will receive
twenty thousand dollars!" The man shouts and the crowd cheers loudly, Audrey and Caleb now appearing by my side. "And the loser," the man smirks, "loses all."

I choke on my spit. Twenty grand is a lot of money to lose. A lot.

"Now, who's ready for a race?"

The crowd cheers loudly and I watch the man smile widely. "Then let the race begin!"

The crowd cheers again and I am pushed from side to side by the cheering bodies beside me, including Audrey who lets out a loud shout. A girl in bum shorts walks between the cars and she smiles sweetly before holding a red flag up. My stomach tightens in knots as the cars rev their engines loudly and the people wait for the race to really start. My heart beats loudly in excitement and when she drops the flag and the cars speed off, I can't help but shout along with the crowd as we move onto the streets. The Mustang is ahead of the Camaro in seconds and I watch as it takes the twists and turns so effortlessly while the Camaro slides from side to side before regaining control and picking up speed. I watch them in the distance and Audrey shakes my shoulders enthusiastically. I automatically assume that Cameron is in the Mustang and I watch his car slide along the black tar.

"Oh my gosh! He's winning!" Audrey cheers and I look back at the cars. Cameron definitely knows how to race a car like a pro. Not even my brother was that good and I thought he was amazing!

When the cars return, the Mustang whizzes pass me in first place and I jump up and down with an excited cheer. The crowd surrounds Cameron's car, Audrey and Caleb included. However, I stay behind to see the Camaro pull up before a very pissed off boy climbs out, his greasy hair in a low man-bun.

A girl from the crowd walks to him and kisses his cheek but he just pushes her away. "Not now!" He snaps and she sighs.

"It doesn't matter baby." The girl tries to soothe him.

"Yes it fucking does! That's twenty grand gone!" He yells frustratedly and I peel my eyes off of them and make my way to where the crowd of people stand.

"Your winner!" I hear the short man shout once again "Cameron!"

The crowd lets out a deafening shout and I join them before I calm down. I play with the ends of my hoodie while trying to spot Audrey and I only manage to do so her when she pushes her way through the crowd and back to me.

"C'mon!" She yells

I don't get to respond when she drags me to the centre of the crowd where Caleb talks to Cameron who leans against the car.

"Caleb!" She shouts and when Caleb moves to face us, my heartbeat involuntarily picks up speed while drool forms on the corner of my mouth from staring at the car.

"Hey Cameron." Audrey greets and he cracks a small smile before returning her greeting. He then glances at me and his eyes widen in surprise.

"Harley?"

"Hey." I smile at him and he glances back at Caleb.

"Did you really think it was safe to bring her here?" He asks incredulously and Caleb sighs.

"Chill man. She's a big girl. Plus, I got her." He tells Cameron and he glances at me before sighing.

"What'd you think of your first race?" He asks and I smile, not sure whether to be flattered or hurt from his possible concern.

"It was incredible. Congratulations."

He gives me a small smile before turning back to Caleb.

"Well done on another win, man." Caleb congratulates Cameron and he smiles warmly, his white teeth a striking contrast to his onyx hair. It's a strange thing to see Cameron smiling since most of the time he's a blank canvas.

"Thanks man. I'm glad you came. Its being a while."

"How about we go for some drinks?" Caleb suggests and Cameron nods.

"Sure. Let me go to Emery first." Cameron says and Caleb nods, shoving his hands into his pockets. Cameron gets up from off his car and stalks off, people clapping his back along the way and him talking to a few people here and there. I watch him go before turning back to Audrey.

Her and Caleb press their lips together and I avert my gaze before they break away with her giggling like a schoolgirl.

"So," Audrey starts "what did you think of his racing? He's great, huh?" She exclaims and I laugh.

"No doubt."

Before I get to say more, Cameron returns. "Ready to go?" He asks all of us and we nod in response while the next two cars pull up on the lane for what seems like a second race.

"Yep."

We return to Caleb's car with Cameron already pulling out and hitting the road. Once we're on the tarred surface with the building now far behind us, the area around us is submerged in darkness, no lights illuminating the road that seems to carry on forever and ever. My hand involuntarily tightens around the car handle and my breathing quickens while I try and calm myself down. Darkness cannot kill me, nor can I let it control me.

"Uhm, Audrey?" I ask, interrupting her conversation with Caleb.

"Yeah?" She responds. I swallow hard and try to cover my wavering voice.

"Could you turn the radio up if you don't mind, please?"

She chuckles. "Alright."

She does as I ask, oblivious to my reason for asking, before returning to her conversation and the sound of the music helps distract me from my thoughts that threaten to freeze my body. I shut my eyes tightly and focus on my breathing, thinking rational thoughts and ignoring memories that threaten to resurface.

By the time we finally reach the city again, with lights and traffic lights in numerous places, I feel sick from having my nerves so high. However, I let out a sigh that I'm now no longer surrounded by darkness and nothing else anymore.

We shortly pull up outside of a café that has numerous cars parked outside of it and people hanging around them with their friends. After Caleb stops the car, Cameron pulls up right next to us and I almost drool over the car once more.

I climb out hastily and slide my trembling hands into my jean's back pockets. Audrey hooks an arm through mine and smiles giddily while I return the gesture.

The café smells strongly of cigar when we enter and I almost cough on instinct from the potent smell however, Audrey simply laughs at my reaction.

"Oh gosh, Harley. You're so pure."

I want to point out to her that I've seen horrible things that have corrupted my mind and gone through things that have ripped my purity from me but I settle with a forced laugh instead.

Because really; she doesn't need to know about my past.

We take a corner booth in the café, Caleb and Audrey slipping into one side while Cameron and I slide into the other. A waitress is by our table in no time and we all give her our orders. She's back a few minutes later, pushing a mug of hot cocoa towards me while I give her a grateful smile. However, when I take note of what Cameron has ordered, I frown.

I imagined him to order a cup of steaming hot black coffee, because that suited him more, rather than a cup of camomile tea.

He peels his leather jacket off, his arms flexing in the process and I notice the ink on his left bicep. It seems to be a tattoo of a rose, beautifully wrapped around his arm and clearly done by a talented tattoo artist who knew what he was doing. It's breathtaking. I'm not really one for tattoos but somehow Cameron makes it work effortlessly.

I avert my gaze when I realize I'm staring and focus on the conversation instead.

"I know I say this every time but you're honestly so amazing at racing." Audrey smiles and Cameron's lip twitch into a smile.

"Thank you Audrey." He says.

"You love it a lot, don't you?"

Cameron leans back in his chair. "Yeah. It's my way of distracting myself from all the shitty things I have to deal with." He takes another sip of his tea and I watch his emotionless canvas, his words soaking into my mind.

Was that why Cyrus loved it as well?

"I simply down a bottle of vodka." Audrey jokes and we all chuckle.

"You on break yet?" Caleb asks Cameron and he shakes his head.

"Just got this week left." He responds and Caleb slings an arm around Audrey who snuggles into his side.

I've wanted to race my whole life; learn how to get behind the wheel and feel that amazing feeling of the world whizzing past you. Maybe if Cyrus had stayed behind, I would have. However, he didn't so I haven't learnt despite how much I wish I had.

Would racing be able to do the same thing for me as it's done for Cameron? Help me escape reality?

Because if there's anybody that needs an escape, it's definitely me.

•••

I hope you enjoyed chapter three! Don't forget to show GR some love! ;)
So you all finally found out that Cameron is really a racer... what do you think of that?

Thank you for your support! I love you all <3

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