CHAPTER SEVEN – AWAKENING
The chilly morning sun barely crept through the curtains when Stella stirred from her slumber. The room was painted in soft hues of dawn, casting a serene glow. She blinked, disoriented for a moment before the realization settled in. They were going to races today. She didn't know why they kept referring to that place as 'races', it actually had a name. Red Fountain. But when they first discovered it, all they saw were races. Now that place is more than that. People there are separated in teams, no one liking the other. Stella knew that all the boys there referee to themselves as 'bad boy' or 'trouble'. She giggled to herself, it was year 2023 this wasn't Wattpad story but she knew so well that they actually are trouble and this is why she was going with Aisha today. She likes trouble just like Stella likes coffee. Anything that this Nabu guy tells her, can cause her to love him even harder. For a moment Stella forgot that she actually told Aisha about Brandon.
"Not like there is much to tell…" she said to herself. There really wasn't anything, just that Stella was thinking of him nonstop since yesterday.
With a gentle sigh, she slipped out from under her warm cocoon of blankets, careful not to disturb Aisha. The floorboards were cool beneath her feet as she padded over to the bathroom. The door clicked closed behind her as she took care of the morning necessities. Teeth brushed, face washed, she faced herself in the mirror.
As Stella dressed, the weight of the day hung heavy in the air. Her fingers traced the worn fabric of her black skinny jeans, the familiar feel grounding her. The crop top clung to her frame, offering a hint of confidence in its embrace. She laced up her white Nikes, a silent oath to herself that today, they would take a step forward. Hopefully for the better. A few strokes of a brush tamed her unruly hair, a dusting of powder, a swipe of mascara, and a touch of lipstick; just enough to feel like herself, yet not too much to mask the uncertainty in her eyes.
After she got everything she needed from her room, she woke Aisha up so now she can get ready while Stella makes something to eat and coffee. No way she faces those racers without putting a coffee in her stomach. She opened her MacBook to join the online class of the day. They were going to lose the school day but at least not all the classes. Mathematician only talks and never asks anything anyway. She would just leave it open while the screen records so she can watch it later. She'll definitely watch it later. Definitely.
As she listened to the class, she prepared breakfast, the rhythmic clatter of pans accompanying her thoughts. A plate for Aisha, another for herself. She heard the soft tread of footsteps, and there was Aisha, her eyes reflecting the same mixture of nervousness and determination. Without a word, they settled at the table, the silence a buffer against the impending day. Forks scraped plates, coffee mugs were cradled in trembling hands. Their eyes met, a silent understanding passing between them.
With a final sip of coffee, they rose in unison, "We don't," Aisha cleared her throat before she spoke again, "We don't have to do it today."
"Yes, we don't have to but, why don't we just get over with it?"
Aisha was thinking about it. What was she thinking about anyway? It was her plan, she dragged Stella into this. So she had to do it for Stella! When she thought about the situation this way, she felt herself relax a bit, "Would Musa mind? You know, since she wants to talk to us about everything today."
"She might, maybe it's better if we give a call to the girls."
And so they did. Stella took her phone from her pocket, and opened the group chat they had with the girls. She looked at Aisha one more time to make sure they're doing it and started a new group call.
"What?" Bloom with her eyes barely open was trying to see the girls on the screen. "What do you mean you're going to the races? Both of you? Stella?"
Flora also seemed worried, she hated to see her friends hurt. After everything with Aisha she just learned that Musa as well had something to do with one of the guys. She slept over at Flora last night and told her everything before she told all the girls. Well this leaves only Tecna and Bloom than.
"Are you guys sure? Why don't we meet before school and talk about it, then you can decide on it. If necessary we'll all come with you two."
Musa was just watching, she kept her voice to herself. She wanted to join too but she knew Riven wouldn't be there. Besides, she hates him. Why would she want to see him? And why does Stella want to go there again? She was pretty serious telling all the guys that this was the last time they were going to see them. Is the only reason Aisha? It can be, she was by Musa's side yesterday and she's a great friend too.
"Yeah we're sure Flo. Don't worry nothing will happen. But if you want to join..."
"Maybe not. I have to tell them something. So, this can't wait." Musa's voice was heard for the first time. So everyone was just looking at her, Tecna wasn't online, obviously she didn't join while she has a class ongoing.
"Yeah, yeah, you're right." Stella was nodding her head but not really looking at Musa. She was feeling weird. She stopped her and now she's going there herself.
After they closed the phone Stella felt a little relieved, she didn't like doing anything that girls didn't know. They didn't have to tell each other everything, no, but this was emergency. The races are red flags that Winx try to avoid every time they see.
"So… can we take your car or?"
Stella was looking at Aisha like she just noticed she was there with her, "We can't Ash, my dad took the keys of it by accident. He likes to ride on it every time he's here and the keys were in his pocket when he left so," Stella gave Aisha a look that said sorry but Aisha didn't mind it at all of course, "Oh, it's fine! We'll take a cab then?"
"Yeah, sounds like a plan." Both smiling at each other started to check themselves in the mirror for the last time before the cab arrived.
"Do you think about him still?"
Stella didn't expect any questions about Brandon this soon but she tried to act normally before she answered, "I do. But I'm not sure what I'm feeling you know? He's handsome and everything but it's not like I'm going there only to see him, no, I want to talk to him in person. To see if he's alright and maybe not too bad? I don't know. Maybe as soon as we go there I'm going to regret and would wait for you without doing anything."
"You are stronger than any of us you know? This is the first thing that I should've done when I realized I like Nabu. Instead I choose to torment myself. I'm proud of you Stell. And everything will go just fine, trust me."
Except it didn't.
Aisha payed the driver seconds before they arrived. "I believe you girls have a ride back from here. I have to warn you that you can't find any cabs in here."
Girls looked at each other trying to mask their worries, "Yeah, we have. Thank you." Watching the cab leave, Stella had a strong feeling in her gut, urging her to call the man back to take them home or to school, anywhere but here.
"So, we're here." Stella nodded her head not really sure what to say to Aisha. "Yeah."
"Should we wait a little? Or…" Realizing that she's not the only one nervous, Stella turn to Aisha and smiled; they got this. Nothing bad happened yesterday, nothing bad will happen today. God, how much she wanted to believe in those words.
"Let's go Ash, no reason for us to stick around here."
The girls ventured into the area where all the racers and bikers congregated. Since it was early in the morning, the place wasn't teeming with people, but a small crowd had gathered around the bikers' section. Stella observed a peculiar division – they seemed to have sorted themselves into two groups: those donned in black, and the others in dark blue. She couldn't discern if this separation was intentional, but it was uncanny how they resembled two factions, exchanging unspoken challenges, distinguished by their team uniforms.
Stella and Aisha exchanged a glance, their apprehension mirrored in each other's eyes. The tension in the air was palpable, and Stella couldn't shake the feeling that they had walked into a battlefield. Despite the roaring engines and the occasional burst of laughter, there was an underlying current of rivalry that sent shivers down her spine.
They made their way through the clusters of people, weaving through the sea of leather jackets and helmets. Stella kept a watchful eye on Aisha, their unspoken pact serving as an anchor in this unfamiliar territory. As they walked, she noticed glances thrown their way, assessing and sizing them up. Aisha's steps were measured, her gaze steady. She radiated a quiet determination that bolstered Stella's own resolve. They may have been outsiders in this world, but they were not defenseless. Finally, they reached a vantage point, a spot where they could observe without feeling engulfed. Stella's eyes continued to flit between the two groups. There was an electricity in the air, a tension that seemed poised to snap.
"What do you think happened?" Aisha's voice betrayed her concern, though she tried to keep it steady. Her hands, however, trembled slightly. Stella, sensing her unease, reached out and gently clasped Aisha's hand, urging her to meet her gaze. "Don't worry. It's probably because of the accident," she reassured, hoping her words would offer some comfort.
Aisha turned her attention back to the unfolding scene, her eyes fixed on Nabu. He stood there, his posture taut, struggling to contain his simmering anger. It was evident he was on the edge, his restraint the only thing keeping him from leaping at one of the dark blue-clad team members.
Stella's gaze shifted to Brandon. She watched him intently, analyzing every nuance of his demeanor. He appeared outwardly composed, but one telltale sign betrayed his tension: his clenched jaw. The memory of yesterday resurfaced – the moment Nabu and the big guy had mentioned something about her, and Brandon's reaction mirrored this same clenching of his jaw. Was he angry at her then? Stella pondered. It was hard to say; after all, she hardly knew him. They had only met yesterday, yet there was an undeniable intensity about him that lingered with her. Attempting to read his body language, Stella found herself momentarily distracted, her thoughts straying to his physique. She shook herself, recognizing the gravity of the situation. There hadn't been a fight yet, but the tension in the air was palpable. Their conversation, though hushed, held an edge that suggested a volatile confrontation was imminent.
Stella turned to Aisha, her eyes conveying a mix of determination and concern. "Do you think," Aisha cleared her throat, "Do you think a fight will occur?"
"No idea what they're going to do. But I'm sure if the cockiness of the blue ones doesn't subside, it might."
Aisha took a long breath, "Let's go." Stella turned to Aisha so fast, that she brought an empty box that was next to her with herself as well. "What? You crazy? We can't go there, they'll eat us alive than continue fighting with each other! No!"
"Stella are we going to stay here all day? That's not why we're here for!"
"We just got here! They won't be taking all day! They probably would just end the conversation. Watch." Aisha shook her head but as Stella said, maybe they wouldn't take so long. Waiting was for the best.
But it got worse. So much worse. The tension in the air escalated, a spark ignited by a careless comment. Laughter rang out, sharp and mocking, slicing through the already charged atmosphere. The magenta-haired guy from the black team, his patience stretched thin, lunged forward, delivering a swift, powerful blow straight to the offender's face. The resounding impact echoed, leaving both Stella and Aisha in stunned silence. Their screams were lost amidst the growing chaos, the argument spiraling into a full-blown fight. Stella's wide eyes remained fixed on Brandon, a mixture of shock and worry clouding her features. Why was she concerned for him? She scolded herself, a whispered warning escaping her lips.
"What the hell, Stella? Pull yourself together."
She couldn't fathom how Brandon, could take on three men, one of them easily twice his size. The realization hit her like a tidal wave. Was he a fighter? Why didn't this terrify her? Instead, it sparked a strange sense of admiration.
Aisha, too, was in a state of shock, her gaze locked onto Nabu. He had a man in a dark blue leather jacket pinned beneath his arm, a display of strength that left her momentarily speechless. He seemed intent on rendering the guy breathless, a display of unexpected prowess that left her struggling for words. As the chaos unfolded before them, Stella and Aisha were caught in the throes of disbelief and awe. The world they thought they knew had been upended in an instant. They exchanged a wide-eyed glance, their minds racing to make sense of the whirlwind of events that had just unfolded.
"So I was thinking, maybe we should leave?"
The chaos had reached a crescendo, yet Stella and Aisha remained oblivious to its resolution. They turned to leave, unaware that the fight had come to an end. Stella couldn't tear her eyes away from Brandon, his gestures and expressions indicating an escalating argument. She strained to hear their words, but the ominous tone didn't bode well. As Stella observed him, her thoughts took an unexpected turn. How could one person show so much intensity in a single day? It felt unfair, in a way that both fascinated and disturbed her.
Meanwhile, the team in dark blue jackets decided to leave, only to find Aisha and Stella positioned next to their bikes. Aisha couldn't help but think they had chosen the worst possible spot to stay quiet. One man, whom Stella assumed to be their leader, strode towards them. Correction, towards her. Panic surged through her veins. She glanced at Brandon, meeting his firm gaze. Oh no, he thought they were together with the blue jackets.
Before Stella could formulate a defense, the leader grabbed her arm, yanking her closer. "Who the hell are you, cherry?" he demanded. Aisha's protective instincts flared, but she was swiftly controlled by another man. "Let go of me or I swear..."
Stella's blood boiled as she watched her friend's struggle. She was about to react when the man let out a mocking laugh that sent shivers down her spine. He wasn't unattractive, but something about him repelled her. "Let her go, you son of a bitch!" Aisha's cry pierced the air, her voice laced with fierce determination. The man holding Stella shot Aisha an unconcerned glance. "Shut up," he sneered.
"You shut up!" Stella's boldness shined, but her attempts to react were useless. She tried to kick him, but the man's grip was stiff.
"Careful, baby girl," he smirked, "You don't want to harm something you'll need later."
Disgust churned in Stella's stomach. "You're disgusting," she fumed. The man only smirked, pulling her closer still. "And you probably taste..." Before he could finish, an arm shot out, followed by the forceful impact of a punch that sent him sprawling into a bike. Stella's breath caught in her throat as she looked up, eyes locking onto Brandon's. He had intervened, sparing her from the man's unwanted touch. The intensity in Brandon's gaze was electrifying, and a newfound sense of gratitude surged through Stella.
Brandon's concern for Stella was palpable, his quick check meant to ensure she was unharmed. There was something about this girl that stirred emotions within him, a turbulence of feelings he couldn't quite get. The man Brandon had punched seethed, his words dripping with venom. "There'll be a time when you'll beg me to stop, but I won't." His gaze bore into Stella, the threat intense. "And you, cherry, that applies to you too. You'll beg me to stop, but..." He trailed off, his eyes lingering uncomfortably on Stella. Before he could finish, Brandon surged forward, determined to silence the man. He needed to shut this guy up, now. His fists flew, each strike fueled by a surge of rage. He was furious with himself for allowing this to escalate. He thought they were together, thought the girl who had consumed his thoughts all night was aligned with this disgusting creature. He hadn't intervened, hadn't stopped him from touching her. The protectiveness he felt for her was a puzzle he couldn't solve. Maybe that was the source of his initial anger – the unnamable emotions that had taken root, driving him to madness.
Nabu and Sky rushed to restrain Brandon, pulling him back before he could do more damage. He was on the brink of doing something unforgivable. Had he lost his mind? Perhaps. Sky's voice cut through the chaos, stern and urgent. "Brandon! Get a grip before you do something you'll regret! What the hell man!" He shouted, trying to reach his friend through the maelstrom of emotions.
Stella and Aisha watched in wide-eyed horror. Stella's gaze was fixed on Brandon, torn between gratitude and bewilderment. She hadn't anticipated this side of him, the raw intensity that had nearly led to a life-altering act. In an instant, Brandon was gone, striding toward his bike with purpose. Stella blinked in surprise, only now realizing he had left. Confusion, horror, and an indescribable emotion danced across her features. She couldn't comprehend what had just emerged.
Aisha gripped Stella's hand, offering what comfort she could. "It's okay, Stell. We're okay." The words seemed to echo in Stella's mind, a lifeline in the chaos. Why had Aisha said that? Stella wondered, before realizing the truth. She was trembling, struggling to catch her breath. A panic attack threatened to overwhelm her. Perfect timing Stella.