The Royal Arrangement

Her heart was racing as the machine roared to life. Tiny beads of sweat spread across her nape and back as she felt the engines vibrations. Then, butterflies swirled across her stomach as she waited anxiously for the lights to change.

She suddenly remembered what her mother would always say to her. ”It is better to be afraid than to fear nothing. It would remind you to be careful and think things through before doing anything foolish. ”

She never thought that what she did was stupid. It was a passion that she believed ran through her veins. She loved what the speed could do to her heart and how it always calmed her mind.

But her mothers words did remind her that she should always be careful and avoid reckless and idiotic mistakes. It was easy to fall to ones ego and then, later on, regret not being able to tell the tale.

What did she mean by that?

One wrong move in this game could cause her life.

”You can do this. ” Biting her lips to stop her lips from trembling. She was nervous, but it was normal.

She just had to muster the courage to control her fear. Deep breaths and a little shake of her head and hands were all she needed. Then, she returned her attention to the view before her.

Her fingers itched as they gripped the steering wheel tightly. Her foot gradually stepped on the gas, revving the engine, signaling she was ready.

Her other foot slowly stepped on the clutch, and then her other hand shifted the gear into position. Soon, she could step on the gas again, and the car would soar in the wind.

She was ready as her eyes focused on the task ahead, looking at the man at the center of the brightly lighted, empty street. But she quickly glanced to her right, also checking her competitor.

The smirk on his face as he turned in her direction only fueled the fire burning inside her. She knew she had to beat him. Losing to this man was not in her cards, not tonight.

”You
e mine. ” The other guy shouted to her over the roar of the engines. But she still understood it, making her want to puke in disgust. But, at the moment, all she could do was ignore him and concentrate.

Finally, a man walked into the middle of the track, signaling them to get ready. Quickly, her hands coordinated with her feet, preparing for the next seconds.

Not long enough, the man gradually raised his flag. It was time as the flag waved in the air. The race was finally on.

She immediately stepped on the gas, roaring the car to life, and then her hand shifted the gear, adding more momentum to the rate the vehicle was moving.

Soon, it was speeding on the gravel path, racing to the finish line. A few more meters before someone would declare the winner.

She could see that her opponent was fighting along her side. It could be a photo finish, or he might win if she did not do anything about it.

”Come on. ” She pushed herself to her limits as excitement coursed through her body with every oscillation of the different metallic parts around her.

All traces of her nervousness vanished, replaced by the thrill of the power of speed in her hands. It was like being high but not on drugs but through her adrenaline. The rush that it created in her veins.

She turned one last time to her opponent, seeing the finish line flash through her eyes. Without a doubt, she knew she would win the race.

Eventually, she crossed the line before him.

She won.

A few minutes later, people surrounded her, congratulating her for winning the race. It must be her lucky night, enjoying her victory.

It was not easy to be part of this world since usually men dominated this competition. But she loved this sport. And she would never give it up just because she was a woman.

”That was amazing. You won. ” Noreen hugged her, jumping in excitement beside her.

Yes, she won. She could not stop telling herself. It was probably the high of winning a mans game. For beating the man who said she could not beat. It could be a million little things.

”Thanks, Bestie. ” Luisa smiled proudly before everyone. Taking the win as something she deserved.

Because her opponent did not hand the victory to her, she took it with her hard work, determination, and the will to win. But the fight was not yet over. It was just the beginning.

”You were on fire, Luis. ” Vinnie suddenly appeared on her side and wrapped her waist around his arms, twirling her around like she weighed nothing. ”Did I tell you that you should join this race? ”

”Thanks, Vinnie. I owe you one. ” She answered her friend, glad she accepted his challenge.

”Then, you should always listen to Vinnie. ” He kept saying as they all laughed and enjoyed her victory.

”Congratulations. ” Another voice joined their celebration. ”I guessed you won this fair and square. ” The man handed her a bundle of money that was the price for their bet.

She turned to him and smiled. ”You also did well, Errol. ” Grabbing the reward from his hand. ”But I guess I did better tonight. ” She could not help it. She had to put him in his place.

This man had bullied her, telling her that this was no place for a girl. But she had shown him tonight that he should treat everyone equally, whether in life or on the tracks.

Then, she turned to Vinnie and split the price between them. She might be the one who won the race, but it was his car that helped her. So, it was only fair to share the winning.

But before they could celebrate some more, a siren not far alerted them of incoming police.

Everybody involved in the race rushed to their respective cars, hustling to clear the place.

She also sprinted to her car but not before she noticed someone in the slightly dim corner. He appeared to be taking pictures. Of her? But that seemed absurd. Maybe he was just interested in drag racing.

Oops! She had no time for him as alarming sirens neared.

That was a clear signal for everyone to get ready, set, and go.