The flag came down and suddenly everyone around me exploded into motion - everyone except me. I sat there for a split second, confused and panicked, watching as seven other motorcycles shot forward like rockets while I remained frozen at the starting line.
Move! my brain screamed. Why aren't you moving?
I twisted the throttle, but nothing happened. The engine sputtered and died, leaving me sitting on a silent bike while the roar of the other racers faded into the distance.
"What the hell?" I muttered, frantically trying to restart the engine.
The crowd around me erupted in jeers and laughter.
"Look at that!" someone shouted. "The new girl can't even get her bike started!"
"Probably doesn't even know how to ride!" another voice called out.
"Maybe she should have stayed home!"
The co
