Tales of the Underground: Velocity - 7. Chapter 7

It’s ironic. You can spend your whole life running from the things that scare you the most, but no matter how fast you are, no matter whom you are, life will always catch up with you.

Eli broke our kiss, still stunned by everything that was happening. I wiped away his tears and pulled him in close.

“You smell like shit.” He joked still sniffling “You don’t have to do this. Besides who even says I like you back.” I could tell his words were different from his feelings. He was holding me so tight it felt like he was trying to break me.

“I want to” I reassured him “That’s fine. I think I can do better anyway.” I joked back not meaning a word of it. In that kiss it finally hit me, Elijah was more than just a friend, he was my missing piece. He gently rested his head on my shoulder. “So when do I start wearing makeup?” I teased

“Stop Jamie.” Eli said hitting me on the back “Can we please just have one nice moment.” I could tell he was still shocked. “I’m still waiting for you to say that this moment is all just one big joke or something.” He really was so clueless of how much he meant to me. I couldn’t help but laughing. “Ughhh Jamie! Is it?”

“For someone with an annoying voice, you talk a lot.” I couldn’t help but tease him. It’s just too much fun. “I’m laughing because you’re being so oblivious.”

“What do you mean?”

“Can’t you tell how much you matter to me?” I asked not expecting an answer “I was just a stupid kid in the past for taking advantage of you. All along I’ve been searching for the answer, and here you’ve been.”

We just stood there holding one another for a little longer. I was amazed by how natural it felt. We’ve hugged before but that was only after scoring a goal or as small kids. None of it compared to how it felt now. I never wanted this moment to end.

“Boys!” Eli’s mom called down to us. We quickly let each other go. “It’s getting late and Jamie’s dad is going to get worried.” Welp, there goes the moment.

We flashed a quick smile to each other both acknowledging that it was time for me to go. He really did have one of those perfect faces and the best part is he’s all mine. We slowly made our way up the stairs and headed toward the door.

“Come back soon, okay Jamie.” Mrs. Warren told me “You’re welcome here whenever.” I think she was just happy that we were hanging out again. If only she knew what that invite meant.

Elijah walked me to my bike and watched as I got ready to go.

“Take a picture, it’ll last longer” I teased

“Oh, sorry” Eli said with his face turning a bright shade of red. He was so clueless. Once again I couldn’t help but laugh. “Stop!” he whined.

“Only when you stop being so cute” I said. Oh god are we gonna wind up being that couple? Eli’s face only started to get redder. “Look, I’m not ashamed of you or anything but…”

“I get it, we can keep it our little secret for now” Eli took the words right out of my mouth “Besides, I’m not even sure if I’m all that into you yet”

“Don’t worry I’ll win you over.” I said laughing.

Mr. Warren’s patrol car pulled onto the driveway apron. “Good to see you not breaking any laws, Mr. Free.” Cpt. Warren remarked “well, besides the one about wearing a helmet.”

“I always thought that was more of a suggestion then a law” I said making Eli laugh. Cpt. Warren rolled his eyes and pulled up the rest of the driveway.

“See you in school Eli” I said beginning to peddle away. I wish I could say more but I was just too nervous.

“See you tomorrow!” he screamed back

The ride home was like none I’ve ever experienced before. I don’t mean to sound cliché, but suddenly all those annoying love songs made sense. I couldn’t help but laugh to myself every few seconds. I guess I was still floating on cloud 9. When I got home I saw my dad’s beat up old minivan in the driveway, and was immediately brought back to reality.

I let myself in and headed to his bedroom. I know I needed to apologize I just didn’t know if I could find the words. I knocked on the door and patiently waited for him to answer.

“Hey Jamie” he mumbled, he looked even worse than yesterday.

“I’m sorry” I blurted out not even making eye contact “I didn’t mean what I said last night, I was just frustrated.”

“I understand” He said tussling my hair

“I’m still not going to give up racing though” I confessed, I’ve done enough lying for a while

My dad let out a big sigh “I know. Your sister told me you have a license now. I assumed that’s where you would be tonight.”

She’s such a snitch! “No, I was at the Warrens. Don’t worry about the license, it’s completely legal.” Gee that was a quick while.

“I don’t even want to know about it” he said sounding just as disappointed as last night. “Do yourself a favor. Don’t drag Elijah down with you. He’s not like you, he’s too innocent.” He lectured assuming I was just using Eli to benefit my team.

“I know” I replied “He doesn’t even know about the racing. He never will”

“Good” he said with a sigh of relief “Now go to bed already.” My dad sounded like he was more exhausted then I could ever imagine. I’m glad that I got that off my chest, even if he still disapproved of my racing.

I made my way upstairs and jumped into my bed. To think, today started so crappy, but now I think I’m starting to figure out life. Suddenly, my phone buzzed. I was so busy zoning out I guess I missed a call or something.

“Elijah Warren Voice Mail”

I quickly picked it up and hit play

“Hey Jamie” I couldn’t help but smile at the sound of his voice. “I know you just left, and I’ll see you tomorrow but I already miss you. I still can’t believe tonight actually happened. So yeah...I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He sounded so nervous and yet so excited. I replayed it another 10 times before finally falling asleep.

A new car and a boyfriend! Tomorrow is going to be awesome.