Chapter 1

Stay focused. Be aware. Never take your hands of the wheel or your eyes off the road. Make smart choices and quick moves. Don't over accelerate when losing and don't relax when you're winning. Racing well takes technique and confidence. A lot of confidence. If you're willing to risk your life to win, chances are, you will.

I love everything about car racing. From the adrenaline rush of excitement to the sore hands from gripping the wheel so tight. The smell of burnt rubber from the skid marks bring a smile to my face, because that's how you know it has been a good race. Lucky me, I didn't crash this time. I still loss, though. I already know I won't hear the end of this either. But that's fine with me, a race is a race. You win some, you lose some.

I would like to introduce you to Aaliyah "Ali" Soto. Born and raised in Bedstuy R.V. Brooklyn, New York. I was brought up through a struggle, not your typical background of a current Cali girl. If I was ever asked, I'd say God did me one last favor before he abandoned me. Getting me out the hood and away from my parents was the best that have ever happened to me.

As a child, my Muva was deep into drugs and my pops was a drunk. It didn't always stay that way but the rumors and trauma that came with it never goes away. Grade school, I went through a change. I didn't notice until I lost the taste for the fancy Sunday dresses or pigtails. I would prefer pants over skirts and sneakers over sandals. At one point I had grown so deeply passionate about the way I was feeling that I cut up all the dresses in my closet. I even tried to burn my sandals in the oven. When that didn't work, I buried them in the backyard. Til this day, those sandals remain back there. That's when the "Crack Baby Dyke" name flourished. I despised the name so much that I found out a way to make new name for myself.

First day of 7th grade, I walked into class ready for whatever was coming my way. I remember it was like yesterday. I had my wavy ponytail pulled to the back because I didn't have time to get it braided the night before. My khakis were creased, brand new all whites, plaid flannel buttoned all the way up, rosary hung around my neck, one backpack strap over my shoulder, eyebrows arched, and my new line up only me fresher than any bum ass nigga in there. My diamond earrings shined as I scoped out my surroundings and the seat nearest to the back door. It wasn't too long until I heard a smirk.

"Dyke ass Bitch.." He mumbled and snickered as if I couldn't here him. It was all good cause I was gone make him be heard clearly.

"Mind speaking up?" I asked as I sat up and leaned forward placing my elbows on my desk. Although I'm upset, I'm excited about what's gonna happen next. He sucked his teeth and turned his body towards me. This fresh prince looking muhfucka cleared his throat sarcastically, causing everyone in the class to focus their attention on us.

"I said, 'You a Dyke ass bitch' fuck you gone do, shortie?" He laughed and rowdied up the class. Little did he know, I ain't scared of niggas. I stood up to my feet and once again the class went wild. Him not wanting to look like a pussy, stood up too. Without hesitation, I set a swift right jab to his chin causing him to K.O. right on to his homeboy.

"It's Ali, to you, Bitch!" I spat as I smirked and earned respect from that day forward. Ali may seem like just a name, but it was earned. I honor that name til this day because that was back when girls like me, never got respect. Nowadays, it's common to be a lesbian. Where I'm from, it was outlaw. There's a difference.

Senior year of high school, I finally told my Muva I like girls. As if she hadn't known, and as if it wasn't obvious, she broke down in tears crying. My new step dad didn't accept and since we currently lived in his house, he kicked me out. I was homeless until graduation when I moved to L.A. to live with my Nana. I attended UCLA and will be graduating in 2 more years. I'm going to be youth advocate and although I'm a sinner, God has blessed me with a happy life.

I have 2 bestfriends who I met my freshman year of college. Jhasmyne, she was my roommate when I lived on campus. And Cairo, He's Jhasmyne's ex girlfriend's brother. Yes, ex girlfriend. Jhasmyne is just like me, just different backgrounds. She's also a Nevada girl, so you know they like to try new things. She was turned this way. She started out a fem when she was turned out by another stud at a high-school party. What the hell happened in between there, she doesn't like to talk about. To be honest, I know I could turn her back into a fem but ion want to go any further than our sisterhood. But behind the dreads and boyish clothes, I see a beautiful mocha skinned 5 foot 2 baddie. All she gotta do is try. That's probably why Cairo lowkey can't stop barging into the room while she's getting dressed. No lie, she gotta nice ass body but Cairo need to chill. That's his sisters ex girlfriend for crying out loud. I just laugh and shake my head whenever It happens.

Cairo is a 6 foot 4, Lightskinned, basketball jock. For what reason is he going into the education field? I don't know but he's like a brother to me. He's 21 years old with a 3 year old daughter named Ry'Anne. His baby momma Tyla and he are on and off cause she's crazy as hell. Last time he didn't drop Rye off on the day he was supposed to, he woke up to her beating his car with a metal bat thinking he wasn't gonna bring her back at all. Shortie need to take classes, Cairo should've seen what he was getting into.

I live alone now in my own apartment near the school. I party some times, car race a lot and I'm always chilling with my two best friends. I frequently check up on my nana, especially when I need someone wise to talk to. She accepts me for who I am and I couldn't respect her enough for understanding. If I wasn't for her, I'd probably given up by now. so, there you have it. Welcome to Ali's world.

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What y'all think of Ali?

Soundtrack Song #1 : Better by Siya