"Alright, so I'll try not to bust my ass this time!" I yell out to Kelly while putting my helmet on.
"Dustin, don't worry! It takes practice! C'mon, show me what you got!" Kelly claps her hands together.
Freestyle can be brutal. I mean it all depends on timing, speed and not misjudging the ramp. Basically, not misjudging any of it. There's a science to it. And science wasn't a strong point for me in school. Oh..and having a fear of falling flat on my face doesn't help either.
I quickly get into position. My bike and I, lined up with the ramp, far back enough to get good air.
Breath...
Inhale...
Exhale...
Inhale...
Exhale...
Here goes nothing... and I'm off in a split second, gaining speed...faster...and faster...here we go....
I hit the ramp with perfect speed and catch one of the greatest jumps I've ever attempted! So far at least... I hold on tight, gripping the handle bars for dear life, 'cuz if I slip, I'm done for...Then I separate my entire body from my bike into a sweet trick...Perfect! So far...back into position, hurry, I'm heading down fast. My heart is in my throat. I love the feeling. Adrenaline, fear. The same as being a Power Ranger.. Kinda like how I feel with Tori...
Land...
Steady...
Land....
C'mon, man....
Nail it....
My bike hits the ground and spins out hard from under me, so fast, I don't even realize..nor have enough time to catch it. My body, like a ragdoll, gets tossed and bounces off the ground...once..twice...aaahhhhh three times...faceplant....bad....
A wipeout happens so fast, theres no time to react. Just get smashed up, and if you don't die right away, deal with the pain the second you come to...
"Fuck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" The first word that I find, I scream out loud enough for everyone at the track to hear. By this time, out of the corner of my eye, I see Kelly already running towards me. Two other figures running behind her. The wind knocked out of me, I can't move. I lay, face down. My helmet still on. I hit the ground so hard, my heart felt like it could've exploded in my chest. Thank God for helmets and chest protectors...
"Dustin!!! Dustin!!" Kelly's voice comes into focus. 2.3 seconds later, I feel her hands touch my back. "Oh no!!! Are you ok?? Talk to me please!!"
I raise my arm , as best as I could, to let her know I'm alive..
"Dude, you ok man?? That was brutal!!" This voice, I know this voice....
I feel hands on me and suddenly I'm on my back. Kelly helps to take my helmet off.
"Hunter?" I say, looking up to see my crimson friend looming over me with concern in his blue eyes. I rub my eyes into better focus and try to make out the other person with he and Kelly..
"Vanessa?" I say, still trying to catch my breath.
"You okay, Dustin?" Vanessa rubs my gloved hand.
"Huh?? You two know each other?" Defensively, Hunter asks. Looking back and forth at me and Vanessa.
"We've definitely met." Vanessa says smiling at me. But honestly, at this point I can care less...
"Huh?" Hunter looks confused as all hell. Maybe even a little jealous, for whatever reason.
"Dude, I'm dying here!" I say, brushing off any conversation other than, ' Hey D..let me help you.' 3 sets of hands grab for me and gently help me sit up. My head is pounding...
"Dammit! Fucking shit, man!! I just can't land it! Why?? This is so pissing me off!!" I vent to my 3 friends, circled around me.
"It's ok.. maybe you should take a break for a couple of days. Clear your head.." Kelly says.
"My head is fine.. I just can't land it!"
"You have things on your mind. Your not clear." Kelly speaks the truth . "Sort things out up here first." She gently pokes my head, "Then try again."
"She's right dude." Hunter extends his hand and I grab for it. He helps me to my feet.
"Thanks.." I say, feeling the way I look – completely covered in dirt.
"C'mon! Lets get you functioning again!" Hunter pats me on the back.
What if I don't wanna function at all? Ever again? Well at least Hunter is here. I missed him, dude.. And at least he's not being a complete dickhole.
The four of us walk over to my bike, the rear tire still spinning.
"Woah, dude." Hunter scratches his head.
"Nasty!" I am so pissed right now!
"Looks like you'll be working on your own bike at work." Kelly says, shaking her head.
I pout and bend my sore, aching body over to pick up my pride and joy. "Ouch!" I let out a little moan. This truly, honestly does suck. As if one wouldn't have already noticed.
"We got it, don't worry 'bout it!" Hunter grabs my bike.
I catch Vanessa smirking at me as I stretch my body, my face distorting in pain. I so don't feel like smiling back..sorry..
Hunter wheels my bike into the Storm Chargers van. Kelly jumps in the drivers seat and we all pile in.
"Dude, I'm sprawling out in the back...You guys take the front." I say, limply throwing my lifeless carcass onto the floor board next to my bike. Hunter, Vanessa and Kelly take up the front seats, while I might as well drop dead completely in the back. The love between a guy and his bike... If this shit falls on me, I swear... I am so done for...
My thoughts wander back to Tori as I toss and turn in the back. Maybe she'll be sympathetic..maybe she'll give me a full body massage.. yeah...
"Dude, you ok back there?" Hunter twists his neck to check on me, totally breaking my daydream of Tori's hands all over me. Thanks man..
"I'm good...I'm good..Trustme..i'll be riding again first thing tomorrow, bro!" I say in mumbles holding my hands over my face. The bumpy ride back to Storm Chargers is so not easing the pain....
"You better be! You owe me some laps, boy!" Hunter taunts. Vanessa lets out a giggle.
"Nope!" Kelly interrupts, "No way...you take a rest, Dustin.. I'm telling you!"
"Awe, Kel, Please!" Hunter pleads like a little school boy.
I can't help but cackle under my breath...Ugh! These bumps are killer!!
"Not until he clears that head of his...Or he's gonna wipe out for sure!" Kelly worries way too much about me.. I kinda wonder if maybe she might be into me sometimes... Nah!! What am I thinking??
We pull into the parking area at Storm Chargers and I grogilly roll out of the back almost falling on my head on the concrete.
"Wow, I'm a complete mess today, huh?" I say, grabbing my helmet.
"I'll get the bike inside" Hunter says, sternly.
"Ok..Imma run home and shower.." I point behind me to my car.
"Take the day off" Kelly says, "Relax"
"You sure?" I look at her scrunching up my face.
"Yep, Shops' not busy, I can handle it. You deserve a rest. You kill yourself." Kelly says. I have to agree. I need a vacation!
"Thanks, Kel. You are the best." I say.
"Don't mention it.. just get better." She says, walking into Storm Chargers, following Hunter, leaving me and Vanessa ,alone, near the cars.
"You look good out there." Vanessa says, walking closer to me.
"No..I really don't." Annoyed, I'm just not in the mood.
"Yeah. You do." She smiles. She's got this seducing look in her eyes and she's checking me up and down. What's going on here?
"Um..yeah.. I gotta go..." I say, starting to walk away, backwards. I'm so trying not to be all rude about it, but I really gotta get outta this gear.
"Want company?" She asks, batting her eyes and pouting her lips. Um..i'm creeped out right now....is that wrong?
"Um..that's ok..i don't really think I need any help taking a shower." I laugh.
"You sure?" Vanessa is serious? Uh..am I sure? Wow...
So wanting to say,'Hey, sure! C'mon over!' ...But, no...she was with Hunter first off, and....just no...I'm not like that..oh man....damn myself sometimes for having a conscience ! I swallow hard, hesitating to speak. I finally find the words...
"Maybe some other time." I smile.
"You better promise me that.." Vanessa flirts without shame. That look in her eyes...oh man... I start to walk way.. I better before I change my mind. Hey, I am still a guy, ya know...
"Maybe..." I say waving her off as I open my car door and climb in. I smile to myself and shove the key into the ignition, turning it. The engine rumbles.
Ok...so now, I'm the loser, ninja, motocross dude, who not only is a love sick emo goof, but also just turned down sex. Wow..maybe I am gay.. Thanks, Tor...