Tales of the Underground: Velocity - 29. Chapter 29 Elijah's Chapter Part 1

“The downfall of having a good heart is you're always looking for angels inside of demons” -Anonymous

~Elijah’s Chapter~

I woke up that morning still tired from the night before. It felt as though I was living a fairy tale, it seemed like everyday something new and exciting showed up on my doorstep. I spent a few more minutes lying in bed before finally forcing to get up. I slowly crept down the stairs hoping my mom wouldn’t ask why I got home so late last night or that my dad would have left for work already. As I slowly turned the corner I could see my dad sitting there on his phone while my mom made breakfast.

My mom must’ve heard me because she quickly turned and made a surprised face “Oh good morning Elijah, I didn’t know you we’re home. I assumed you slept over at the Free house” My dad let out a disapproving grunt when he heard the sentence.

My mind quickly raced as I realized they would be furious with what actually happened last night “Well I kinda did” I said beginning my lie “I fell asleep during a movie me and Jamie were watching, and I guess he didn’t want to wake me up so Mr. Free drove me home really early this morning on his way to work, then I just went back to sleep when I got here.” Satisfied with the fake story I let out a small smile.

“Well I hope you didn’t make him late for work” My mom said returning her focus to the food “Our house is pretty out of the way”

“That’s because we don’t live on the poor side of town” my dad mumbled from behind his phone

I was so in shock by his sudden insult I was at a loss for words. My mom made a face “What’s that honey?” she said giving him a chance to correct what he had said.

My dad stood up from where he had been sitting “I said I lost my appetite” He grabbed his keys off the counter and headed out the door without even so much as looking my way.

I took a few steps and let myself fall to the couch. I stared at the picture of me and Jamie which has been proudly displayed on the mantle for years. Jamie’s roots had never bothered my father before, why do they now?

New Jersey is a weird state. Some towns are the richest in the U.S. while others are poverty stricken. My town has a little bit of both. We have a poor side and a rich side. I’m lucky enough to live in the middle, I’m definitely not poor by any stretch of the imagination but then again I’m not rich, I suppose I’m just that happy middle ground, which I’ll gladly take. Jamie on the other hand lives on the poorer side of town. Even back when his mother was alive, the Frees have always been happy to call that rickety old house home. Nothing was chasing that family from their small property. However lately it seems to be less of a choice for Mr. Free.

My mom noticed me deep in thought and waved me over for breakfast. I mopingly made my way towards the table and took the seat across from my mom. She reached over and fixed my hair from a bed head to its normal state. “Don’t let him get to you Elijah. He’s still just processing everything.”

“How long does it take for someone to accept something this simple?” I snapped “He’s known I’m gay for how long? Why can’t this just be normal to him already?” My mom leaned back a little “Sorry” I sighed realizing she was just trying to help.

She reached out and placed her hand on top of mine “It’s okay, I understand this is probably pretty hard for you. I don’t know how long it will take him and I don’t know why he lashes out at Jamie so hard. Jamie’s rough around the edges but he has a good heart.” I smiled at those words “Plus I’m sure over time you can help smooth out those edges.” I nodded in agreement and started to eat the pancakes she had made for breakfast.

My mom always knew the perfect words to make me feel better. In a lot of ways she’s the one who makes sure my light stays…well…lit. After breakfast I helped her clean up before going back upstairs and changing into athletic clothes. I grabbed my hockey gloves off my desk and headed down to my own little sanctuary. I grabbed a practice stick off the rack and quickly began to toy around with a puck on the synthetic ice. I practiced all my moves making sure they were seamless, any little hesitation or mess up could cause me to turn over the puck, which in turn could cost a goal. I refuse to be the reason we get scored on. I could feel the soreness from yesterday’s game and uhm late night activities begin to set in but I ignored it and pushed through. I built my way up to shooting into the empty net and made sure I could effortless hit all 4 corners of the net. I practiced and practiced until I felt comfortable then set up a few targets in the net and practiced some more. I have to be perfect, I have to be the first openly gay hockey player in the NHL, and I have to show other kids like me that they can do anything they set their hearts to. Being gay simply means you like the same sex and nothing more. Being gay doesn’t define athleticism or the way you sound or dress. I’m going to make sure everyone learns that lesson, and if they don’t want to learn then I’ll prove it to them first hand. I looked over at the roll of pride stick tape lying on the counter and laughed. The sports come a long way and I plan to lead the charge. I practiced for a few more hours until I was too sore to move and finally collapsed onto the nearby couch. It’s funny how easy it was to completely practice a day away, I guess it’s easy to shut the world out when you’re doing what you love.

Suddenly my phone buzzed

1 Unread Text Message- Jamie Free

I felt a smile creep across my face and quickly opened it. “Hey beautiful, race in a few hours, you in?” I felt a second wind surge my body and the smile grew wider. “Count me in queer” I texted back. I quickly ate dinner, showered and kissed my mom goodnight before pretending to go to sleep. I watched the clock until Jamie texted me that he was outside. I felt my heart skip a beat and quietly got changed into dark clothes and made my way out of the quiet house. I saw my dad’s patrol car in the driveway and rolled my eyes. It’s a typical thing for him to do, come home from work and not even say good night to me. I’m slowly beginning to realize how much of a jerk he can be. I snuck down the street until I saw the familiar lights of the red mechanical horse. I jumped into the passenger seat and stared at the driver, I took every small detail in. From his shaggy dark unkept hair which draped down to his brown eyes to the dark black jacket and deep blue jeans he had on.

I saw his usual cocky grin spread across his face and braced for a wise crack “I know I rocked your world last night but it’s still rude to stare.” I cocked back a fist and punched him in the usual spot “Stop!” he jokingly screamed “You’re gonna start to leave bruises you dick!”

“What did you just roll out of bed?” I asked finally speaking

“You don’t need to know what I’ve been up to” he said keeping the same stupid smile on his face. I rolled my eyes and he began to pull away to pick up Matty and Jacob. I watched him effortlessly navigate the car, I was memorized and how in sync his hand and foot were. It seemed like the second the clutch hit the floor the gear stick shifted up or down. It even seemed like the car was telling him when to shift, it was as though they could speak to one another.

“Who taught you to drive?” I said breaking the silence

“My dad” he proudly stated “but of course he could only teach me so much, some of it was practice and of course a lot of talent”

I rolled my eyes “Of course, talent. I should’ve known” I mocked

“Hey, you don’t get as good as me without some talent” I looked into those dark eyes of his and saw that normal confident glare.

“Has the world humble ever existed in your vocabulary?” I teased

“Never” he quickly responded. Jamie wasn’t kidding either. He’s been a handful since the first day we met. I hated his guts for the longest time when we were little. He was always so full of himself and what he could do. I still remember the day I was told we would play on the same line together. Even though I was only 8 I thought it was going to be the end of the world. However, as our chemistry on the ice built so did our friendship and that familiar cockiness simply became one of those perfect imperfections. Besides to be completely honest most of it is an act anyway. Jamie’s all bark and no bite. He may be fierce on the race track as the Reaper but Jamie Free would do anything to help someone in need. Just don’t let him know you know that.

Finally we pulled up to Jacob house. I watched as he slid his scrawny frame into the back seat. He reached over the top of my seat and rustled my hair. I let out an involuntary panic noise at the unexpected contact which made both Jacob and Jamie laugh. Suddenly Matty shoved Jacob further into the car. Matty grabbed both my shoulders and gave me a good shake. “Surprise bitches!” he screamed

Jacob groaned “Someone please make him leave me the fuck alone!” he screamed “He insisted on needing some bonding time and hasn’t left me any private time since!”

Matty grabbed Jacobs head and kissed him on the top of it “Oh Jacob, you’ll never get rid of me!” Jacob tried his best to push Matty off of him but he had 0 chance. Matty both outweighed and outmuscled him.

Me and Jamie connected eyes and we couldn’t help but giggle. Slowly the giggling turned into all out laughter.

Jacob gave us a weird look. “What?” he said trying to get us to stop but our laughter only grew heavier and heavier.

Finally Jamie calmed down enough to speak “Let’s just say you two weren’t the only people to kiss in the backseat recently”

“Jamie!” I shouted. I could feel my face begin to turn a bright shade of red. I reached over and gave him a good shove.

Matty and Jacob’s faces instantly turned pale. Matty flung to his side of the car while Jacob did his best not to sit down fully. “Please please please tell me this is a joke” Jacob squealed trying not to touch the seat beneath him.

“Nope” Jamie replied putting the car into gear and pulling away.

“Eli” I heard Matty begin from behind me “How could you even let this happen? And in the back of a car?”

“Stop” I shouted starting to grow uncomfortable, I looked over to Jamie for support but all I could see was that stupid smile of his

“Relax” he said realizing I needed him “I cleaned the seats today anyway” Matty and Jacob both let out big groans. I should’ve known better then try and get his help. I rolled my eyes and slouched deep into my seat to try and hide from the conversation. Finally Jamie’s better instincts kicked in and he raised the music to shut everyone up. The end of the conversation was met with terrible singing from both Jamie and Jacob, me and Matty were held hostage as they both brutally murdered “Shoot to Thrill” by AC/DC. I’d almost prefer to have just let the conversation going!

Finally we pulled up to the rundown old underpass. It’s funny how normal this was to all of them. I could feel my heart begin to beat so hard it felt like it was going to rip out of my chest. Jamie tossed me the bandana he had kept in the car and I tried my best to tie it tight around the lower half of my face. I looked around the car to see their faces turn stone cold. Jamie’s eyes went from light hearted confidence and fun to full of fire. I took a deep breath as I realized whoever he was down here was completely different from the person I knew. Jamie nodded to the man at the entrance as though they had known each other for years and took his normal parking spot.

I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the roar of the crowd as they saw him step out of the car. It was like to them he was some type of champion. Then again I can only imagine how much money he had made each and every one of them during his tenure as a racer. I felt a cold chill go down my spine as I realized how quickly they would all turn on him if he stopped winning. I got out and joined Jacob and Matty as they leaned against the car. I could feel the evil and sin in the air of that underpass. I looked around and saw dirty syringes littering the sidewalk on the other side of the road where most of the audience stayed. I watched as grown men drank alcohol by the gallons and money changed hands. I wonder if Jamie truly realized how dangerous of a game this was, the wild atmosphere only made my already fast beating heart grow even tenser.

I almost jumped a mile when I felt a big heavy hand briefly rest on my shoulder “Relax, it’s just me” said a familiar deep voice.

I looked over to see Jax standing over me “Sorry, I’m still just adjusting to this place” I sighed

He and Jamie let out a short laugh “It’s alright. You’re the only one out of this team of geniuses who isn’t underestimating the dangers of this place.” He looked over at Jamie “Maybe you’ll be able to remind him of them.”

“Theres no dangers when you’re fast as me” Jamie let out in a cocky voice “I’m untouchable.”

Jax rolled his eyes “Tell that to your opponent” he sighed

“Oh please, I’ll smoke him. Who am I up against anyway? Another lowlife gang banger?” Jamie said with a shit eating grin

“Him?” Jax repeated “You’re going up against a girl today. And I think you have more in common with her then you know” He pointed over to her and I couldn’t help but stare in shock. She seemed to be around the same age as us.

“What the fuck? I thought I was the only young racer allowed here.” It was clear how taken back Jamie was by this

“Well you were the first. But hey I guess you’ve inspired some of your peers.” Jax said smiling at how confused Jamie was “She hasn’t been able to generate any of the hype or flash you have, but she’s fucking good, don’t take it easy on her.”

I saw a combination of anger, shock and even fear grow across Jamie’s face “I’ll embarrass her so bad she’ll never come back.” The girl turned and noticed we were talking about her. She slowly made her way over towards us. She had short black hair, dark green eyes and was dressed like she was one of the guys.

“So you’re the Reaper” she said finally reaching us “I’d always assumed by the way you raced that you’d be long dead by time I’d made it this far, but I guess you’re hard to kill.” A small smile began across her face as she extended her hand “names viper”

Jamie reluctantly shook her hand “I’m a lot more then hard to kill” he shot back

“Oooh Moody” she replied “I guess the bad temper of the Reaper is true. I wonder how you’re big masculine ego will take being beat by a girl” I saw Jamie begin to grind his teeth “You are kinda cute though, maybe I’ll be able to help you put that anger to good use” she said reaching out and starting to run her hand down his chest.

Jamie grabbed her hand with enough force to send a message but not enough to hurt her “I would be fine with losing to a girl, the only problem is I don’t lose” I heard him say with confidence returning to his voice, he slowly turned her open hand into a fist “It’s adorable that you think I’m cute but I’m already taken, why don’t you go fuck yourself with this.” He said releasing the fist he had made out of her hand.

Her slick attitude grew a littler colder “So the rumors about you were true, you’re just as crude and hot tempered as everyone says you are. I guess when people say idols will let you down they really mean it. What kind of girl would ever date you?” She said staring into his dark eyes looking for a reaction.

Whatever reaction she was hoping to get out of him was met by the Reapers normal firey gaze “Don’t know, never wanted to date girls and I doubt I ever will. Just like on the race track I think only guys can keep up with me” I watched as Jax couldn’t help but laugh at that joke.

Viper looked a little taken back “So you’re gay?” she uncomfortable forced out

“Yeah, that a problem” Reaper confidently responded

“No…not at all. My younger brother is gay” I saw her focus begin to drift

“Well we don’t all know each other if that’s what you’re getting at” Jamie teased, except this time it seemed a lot more light hearted then the last few responses.

She nodded “No, I didn’t mean…”

“It was a joke” he interrupted “Don’t take shit so seriously, it’ll be the end of you down here.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at that response “That coming from you?” I interrupted

Viper scanned me up and down and began to stare at me “Where do I know you from?” she said beginning to focus her eyes

“Probably just from hanging around down here with me” Reaper jumped in

“No, that not it” she started again “I definitely know him from somewhere”

“Trust me you don’t.” Jamie interrupted shutting it down “Why don’t you go prepare, we race soon and I won’t be going easy on you. Even if you are a fan” he said with a smile returning to his face.

Viper rolled her eyes, shook his hand and returned to her car.

I know this will only be the second race I’ve watched but I can tell it’ll be unforgettable.