"A Daring Proposal" – Speed

Annalise's request still burned in my mind. I had rejected, but I have a feeling that she had ignored me even if she had been listening.

She had this ridiculous idea in her head of getting back at X. She asked if I would pretend to go out with her, just so she could make him jealous. I would never hurt X, physically or emotionally. Right then, I needed to concentrate. I shoved the incident to the back of my mind as I slipped on my helmet and shut the door of the Mach 6 behind me. The qualifying race was finally here, and I was too distracted. Ever since her bogus request, Annalise was being dreadfully clingy, and Connor was persistent in taking advantage of it, trying to sway her onto his side. I wonder when he'll finally learn that she doesn't like him...

All of the crap that was clouding my mind was the last thing I needed. As well as deciding where I started in the big race, this qualifier would decide if I even got to race in the first place. I was confident as I started up my car, glancing over at X on my left, the Shooting Star quivering as the engine rumbled beneath its glimmering hood. He gave me a thumbs up as the holographic lights above the track began to glow.

'Go!' the thought raced through my mind as I put the gas to the floor. The other cars hovered in spot for a split second before they shot ahead, saving the battle for the virtual track. The Mach 6 was normally one of the first to roar ahead, but it lingered as I pumped the gas, willing it to go. Suddenly, I was pressed back into my seat as it finally sped ahead, catching up with the back of the pack. I was almost alarmed, but my worry was soon forgotten as I soared over the track, weaving my way into the middle of the clump of other cars. The track activated itself, but on the last turn before we all entered, I spun the steering wheel to the left and the car stayed straight. I was about to get in serious danger when I felt a jerk beneath my hands and I began to drift sideways around the turn, my tires squealing over the asphalt. I was just experienced enough to not lose control, though I was officially nervous.

Determinedly, I drove through the portal, emerging with the others into Winter Wonderland. It almost hurt my eyes at how bright the white world was, but they adjusted quickly as I turned on my tire armor, the traction a much needed break from the slick terrain. X and I pulled forward, though not very far ahead of the other racers as they kept pace on our tails.

It was an easy enough track until my controls began to stall again. The car slowed a bit before speeding up against my will, and my tire treads were deactivated. I wildly tried to control the car as other people passed me. Somehow, the homing robot emerged out into the open, and I finally got to regain myself. I drew the robot back in, reactivated my treads and sped up until I had caught back up. As we all rounded a corner, the road split, and we scattered. X chose the far right of the three prongs and I followed alongside him like we normally did in our races.

The rest of the race was relatively easy, and I didn't have any other problems, which puzzled and calmed me at the same time. I narrowly won, my brother coming in a close second. My fears forgotten, I waved at the somewhat small crowd as they cheered. X enjoyed his supporters as well.

Annalise joined my side, but I didn't notice until it was too late. X turned to congratulate me, but he stopped dead as Annalise grabbed my racing suit by the chest and pulled me towards her. I felt her lips meet mine as I desperately tried to pull away from her grip, glancing over at X. I had never seen him so pissed off, his expression a mask of complete rage as the crowd's cheering changed tone. Right when I thought he was going to blow up, Annalise released me and I flew back beside the Mach 6, nearly tearing off the rear view mirror as I tried to use it to stop myself from falling.

My eyes were wide as Annalise looked down at me, a smug grin on her face as she walked off. Thankfully, X didn't kill me in front of everyone, and I was left at the mercy of Connor. I couldn't exactly tell what his reaction was, but he flooded me with questions whenever he had a break from shunning me. Lucy was quietly steaming, though I couldn't tell why. One thing ran through my head, however; I had to tell X what had happened, and I had to apologize.

I waited about an hour before slowly making my way over to his dorm. I should've waited longer. As soon as a knocked, he turned around, standing over me. His efforts of intimidation worked, and I found myself trembling slightly. "WHAT? Come to show me your new girlfriend?" he said, spitting the words in my face. I stuttered. "I-I just wa-," I started, but he cut me off, advancing towards me as I tried to back out of the doorway. "I just told you I hadn't forgotten about her, so you decide to get her for yourself? Like I haven't suffered enough since you've come here!"

"I swear I didn't want h-…" This time I was forced to shut up as he swung at me. I didn't have enough time to dodge, and staggered backwards as he struck me in the face. Not wanting to die right then and there, I turned and fled down the stairs, my hand clutching my sore nose. It wasn't that bad, but it bled continuously for about five minutes before I finally got it to stop. Surprisingly, it wasn't broken even though that hit was hard enough to knock someone senseless. I had explained my suspicions about the Mach 6 to Connor, and he checked it inside and out for me, but nothing turned up.

I nervously dismissed my worries about the car, but until things were sorted out with Annalise and X, I intended to steer clear of them both. It made me a little bit paranoid, but I found it necessary and got by just fine without them.

If only I could've steered clear of what was coming next…