The LED lights strung across the room. The clock in my hands like a steering wheel. The stapler under my foot like a gas pedal. I imagined the low purr of a powerful engine filling the air, and the smell of sweat in the air. It was just me in my car, with the bleachers stuffed full of cheering fans chanting my name, illuminated by the stadium lights. I went faster and faster. I’m almost to the finish line… 

“ Bella!! Dinner!!” My mom called out.

“Coming!!” I shouted. I didn't make it to the finish line today, but mark my words, I will get there one day. 

10 Years Later

The smell of asphalt in the air. Sweat dripping down my face. Fans cheering in the bleachers. It is my first official race and I have so much adrenaline pumping through my veins right now. I get in my car, buckle up, and put my helmet on. 

“Are you ready Bells?” Aaron, my crew chief asked. 

“As ready as I’ll ever be Ronnie!” I exclaimed.

Aaron has been part of our family ever since my dad was in his racing days. I knew the only thing I wanted to do with my life was race. Ever since I was a little girl and I went to my dad's races where he won first place I knew I was destined to be a racer. It is in my blood and with the help of Aaron, who I called Ronnie, my dad’s crew chief, and now my own, I will be unstoppable. 

It was over in the blink of an eye. Holy crap I just had the first race of my career, and I got second place!!!

“You did pretty good Rookie,” I turned around to see my racing enemy, Dallas Madden. He was one of the best young racers I knew, and it was my goal to beat him. 

“Was that a compliment from the great Dallas Madden?!?”

“Haha very funny Rookie,” He said sarcastically.

“For a rookie I almost had you beat,” I smiled. He just shook his head. 

“See you later Bells,” He winked as he walked away, leaving me speechless.

One week later

“... Happy birthday dear Bella, Happy birthday to you!!” Everyone sang. I was officially 21. It was my first night out being 21 and tonight we are celebrating at Mack’s Bar and Grill. I walked up to the bar to get a drink and I saw Dallas sitting all alone. So I slid up next to him. 

“Watcha doing over here all by yourself?” I said. 

“Just having a drink”

“Well… Do you want to join us?”

“I don’t want to impose on whatever you’re celebrating.”

“It’s my 21st birthday today, but come join us it’ll be fun.” I dragged him back to the group with me even though he resisted a little. We went back and everyone said hi and welcomed him in.  

Later that night I was drunk, and it was finally time to go home. Dallas walked me outside to help me get a cab. 

“Where the heck is my cab?” I slurred. He looked at me and laughed.

“You didn’t order one yet rookie.”

“I’m 21 now so I’m not a rookie anymore cowboy.”

“Cowboy… that's adorable, but you are still a Rookie.” That was the end of the conversation as we waited for my cab. 

“Oh! My cab is here!” I stumbled towards the cab and Dallas grabbed my arm to steady me. 

“Goodness, gracious Love you gotta be more careful before you hurt yourself.”

“Thank you for the help, goodnight Dallas.”

“Goodnight Bells, Happy Birthday.” He said. 

Holy crap am I crazy or did he just call me “Love?” Why was he being so nice to me we’re supposed to be enemies. He is kinda cute though and the way he said my name in that accent, oh my gosh I got butterflies. 

2 Weeks Later

It was my second race and I’m freaking out. Not about the race, but about how Dallas made me feel a couple of weeks ago. I think I can beat him today, I have been practicing new skills nonstop after my birthday. I just need to focus on the track and not the way he said my name and how it gave me butterflies. 

“Okay, Bells it's go time. Are you ready?” Aaron asked.

“As ready as I’ll ever be Ronnie.” 

I roll up to the starting line, fuel pumping through my veins, sweat dripping down my face. I am so ready, I have practiced and practiced to perfect these moves. 

“3…2…1…Go!”

And with the drop of the flag I am off. I am catching up to Dallas. I am stuck behind him for 3 more laps. On the final lap, I pass him right before I get to the finish line. I flash an award-winning smile and wink as I pass him. 

I get up on the podium to accept my first-place trophy and flowers. Dallas got second place, and he’s right next to me on the podium. We smile for our picture and he leans over and whispers into my ear. 

“You did good Love. I’m proud of you.” If I thought I had butterflies before then I was definitely wrong, this is what butterflies feel like. 

“Thanks, Cowboy, maybe you’ll be able to beat me again one day. But you never know.” I told him with a wink. 

“Meet me at the bar once you’re all done here…” He whispered.

“Umm… Okay, sure?” Then he walked away leaving me speechless. 

That Night

I showered, cleaned up, and headed to the bar to meet up with Dallas.

“What’s up? Why did you want to meet?”I said.

“You beat me so now I get to take you out on our first date.”

“You wanted to meet up to take me out?”

“Yes Love, that's exactly why.” He winked.

“Oh, okay then.” I blushed.

After dinner, he walked me home and kissed me goodnight. 

“See you later Rookie.” He said.

The End