Author's Note:
Okay, this is a relatively short chapter. I know it seems quite boring right now, but like all works of literature you need to gradually build up. This story will hopefully become more interesting, and I will add more description and all that good stuff. So, enjoy the beginning, it will be more climactic later on :D
"I can't stand him!" an angry voice growled. A few heads swivelled in the direction of the sound.
"Leave it be, Mac. He's just a kid," another voice murmured. The flush in Mac's cheeks brightened.
"You don't get it Allegra. How can someone so young beat out a veteran? It doesn't seem sane," Mac growled again.
Allegra rolled her eyes in disinterest. It was the same old story; each torn and worn page just repeated itself. Every time Mac would be beat out by "the kid" it caused for an ear ache for each of the circuit's contestants.
"All us other 'veterans' are fine when Griff wins. You just need to let go of your rivalry, you've had it for three years. The kid is sixteen now, he's barely a child anymore."
"He's still the youngest on the circuit. How does that not bother you?"
Allegra groaned and turned her attention to Viggo who was momentarily in his world of oblivion. Catching the stare of his fellow boarder, his brain switched thoughts and he smiled innocently.
"What?" Viggo questioned.
"Are you offended that Griff won today's race?" Allegra inquired.
Almost immediately Viggo removed his hands from his puffy snow board jacket and raised them into a shrugging motion. "The kid has talent, am I supposed to be offended? I'd rather be beat out by talent than luck."
Allegra smiled half-heartedly to keep it conformed and unnoticeable. She bobbed her head in the direction of Mac, "why can't you be like Viggo? Or the rest of us for that matter, we all accept our defeat," she stated. Mac's expression tweaked itself. His annoyed smirk plummeted into a frown and his eyes became darted with anger. His lower lip quivered as a few unpleasant words danced on his tongue. He stuttered briefly, yet no audible sound would allow itself out. Sensing that Mac's "all-terrifying" temper would soon be released, Allegra rested a hand on his shoulder. "You know you're just as good as him, just sometimes he has the upper hand. If you weren't good, you wouldn't be here," she cooed. Mac's expression toned down considerably.
"I guess you're right," he muttered. He still had a tinge of annoyance to his voice, yet it was nothing a little time wouldn't fix.
"I'm always right." Allegra winked at him playfully and allowed her hand to drop gracefully down to her side. Mac rolled his eyes in discontent. She may have always been right, but she certainly wasn't modest about it.
"There's the Mac we all know. Chilled out, relaxed 'ol Mac," Viggo laughed. A couple subtle smiles were aimed in his direction. Viggo had the talent of releasing tension, frustration and sometimes anger from the room. It was mostly due to his oblivious attitude and laid back personality. Either way, it was a cherished ability. Mac patted the back of his much appreciated friend. Although Viggo hadn't always been around, both he and Mac had managed to develop quite a bonded relationship.
"Don't look now, but here comes Griff," Allegra warned. Mac stiffened attempting to keep a still smile. Instead it faded into a murky grin, one which made him look slightly maniacal. Fortunately, another profile trotted along the champion, it was Kaori. Mac relaxed slightly, although it bothered him that she was with Griff instead of himself.
Kaori skipped ahead playfully towards Mac and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Sorry about knocking you down today, it was all for the sport." She pressed her head into his chest hastily and then released him. A rosy colour crawled up Mac's face, immediately he dropped his gaze to the ground to mask his blushing.
Griff arrived at the small group and nudged Mac buoyantly. "Good race today Fraser; you had a good recovery after Kaori knocked you down, congratulations," he applauded happily.
The corner of Mac's mouth tweaked slightly. Allegra shot him a glare, "be nice," she mouthed.
Mac nodded subtly and turned to Griff, "thanks… little buddy," he buzzed. "How are you going to celebrate?"
The kid shrugged and glanced around the group. "Unlike all of you guys, I'm not legal to drink yet, so I certainly can't celebrate my winning by that. Unless-"
"No Griff!" the group barked in unison. Innocently Griff raised his hands in defence and let out a chuckle.
"Can't blame a kid for trying," he announced. "Truth be told, an old friend of mine is coming to visit. So we're just gonna hang-out up in my room."
Allegra peaked her eyebrow in interest. "And, who is this 'old friend' of yours?" she interrogated. Griff rolled his eyes. Allegra was always protective over who he hung out with, especially if it was a girl. Although all of the circuit's athletes had, had their experience with the opposite sex, Griff was yet to have his. This unfortunate situation made Allegra very uneasy about whom her "little buddy" was meeting up with.
"His name is Brandon, he's a boy. We've been friends since pre-school, don't worry Allegra," Griff sighed.
"Leave him be, Big Al. Like you said, he's barely a child anymore," Mac teased. Griff raised a brow. Mac was actually defending him? It hardly seemed believable. For years Mac would do anything to disallow Griff from having fun. He was simply too focused on his grudge to even let a smidge of niceness show toward him. Perhaps times were changing. Griff smirked triumphantly and patted Mac on the shoulder.
"Yeah, Big Al. Leave me be," Griff agreed.
Finally, Allegra let out a sigh of defeat. "You have a Super Pipe competition tomorrow, don't stay up too late," she cautioned.
"Speaking of Super Pipe, where's Elise?" Kaori butted in.
"Knowing her, she's out there practicing trying to hit every trick perfectly," Viggo replied.
"Or she's trying to seduce those out-of-town riders," Mac added with a light laugh.
"Try is not a word in Elise's dictionary. She's probably got one in bed right now," Griff chuckled.
"Guys! Be nice!" Kaori demanded. The group paused and glanced at her. Her expression seemed dead serious.
"Oh, come on Nishidake. You know we're only joking," Mac groaned.
Kaori's harsh expression softened a little and she let out a gentle sigh. "I know. She's just not here to defend hers-."
"Shit!" The gathering twisted toward Griff who was staring at the screen of his cell phone in disbelief. A few expressions changed to curiosity about why he appeared so flustered.
He glanced up frantically, "I have to go! Brandon's bus will be pulling in any minute."