For the love of speed.

Chapter 2: Saveen

The night air here at Black Pits Peak is electric with the roaring of the cars' engines, the music, the laughter, and the cheers for the racers. I have never been able to stay away since the guys practically dragged me here when we were 16. The people at these events are here for a good time and, most importantly, for a good race. Grayson and I are going over some last-minute tuning of the engine just to ensure everything is up to par again, before my first race. When I see Clara waddling up, holding her belly. I tell Grayson I'll be back and go walking up to her to see if she needs help. “Hey, beautiful, do you need help?" I yell over the buzz of the night. " Yes! Thank you! "Where is my husband?" as she hands me her folding chair and blanket. " Doing the last check of the car before the race. Why, what's up?" I asked her, worried. " Huh? Oh no, I just wanted to say hi, see if I can cause a little chaos." Clara starts with an evil smile. " Oh hell, I wanna see this." Following close behind him. She walks up to Pebbles just as Grayson is leaning in one hand on the side, the other reaching in to check the throttle. Clara leans in, running her hand down his butt, saying, " Hey there, stud. What are you working on?" Grayson proceeds to face plant into the engine as well as jumping out. "CLARA! HI, WHO WHAT.....uuuhhh. Oh oh, I know I was lifting the thingy to see if it goes up and down right." I proceeded to die laughing, and Grayson turned a shade of crimson I'd never seen before. Clara grins up at him and places her hand on his chest. "Oh, is that right? I love it when you talk car to me......ack! She grabs her stomach, and we all stop and rush up to her. She throws her hands up and yells, " Stop! I'm okay, the baby just kicked me. I swear this one is going to come out loving their daddy more than me." Grayson grins, rubbing her back and kissing her temple. " I'm sorry, my love, you always look too good pregnant with my child. I just can't stop. How about I rub your shoulders and feet later?" she smiles up at him, "I honestly would love that." he chuckles as she walks away, and I follow after to get her set up.

Clara gets settled into her big comfy fold-out chair, ice chest right next to her with all the snacks she would need. "Do you need anything else, my dear?" I ask her, and she shakes her head, "No, I am all set now, go get ready, and kick their ass!" I laugh as I head back for the car because now it's time for the street races. Dragging is now over, and it's time for the big kids to play. As I'm getting on all the gear, because safety is always first, Dexter walks over. “Hey, how are you doing? Are you ready?" I look over, shrugging on the leather jacket, "Yeah, just be ready to load cars. I set my races over a week ago, and those pinks are mine. One, you are just going to sell for me, and the other two imma need parts from." I say to him, he nods his head letting me know he understands.. " Also, Clara says you have someone new coming up for the last race, and your money is on that driver. So, you don't love me, and have finally turned in me?" I say all dramatically. As he shoves my head into the helmet, he grins, "Now now, you know you're always my winning horse, but this one I have a great feeling he may be able to humble you." I glared at him, " Did you just call me a horse?" I laugh, punching him in the chest. He is laughing while rubbing his chest. " Easy! Easy! I’m delicate! You know what I meant, V." I chuckled but stopped immediately cause I felt like someone was watching me. I start looking all over, but can't figure out who it is. I look back a Dex, who is now looking around too. I shrug it off and ask, "How do I look?" Dexter looks down at me, my leather jacket is open in the front, my helmet is on, with my skin-tight jeans that show off many of my curves, but are the best for racing, and black boots. " Hot as hell, but ready to give them hell, V." We do our pre-race handshake because it is bad luck not to do it. See, racers are very superstitious, not only because you win but for safety as well.

I get into pebbles and turn her over. To which she instantly roars to life, I could never get tired of hearing her come to life. The low rubble, the feel of the wheel in my hands, and the energy I feel from her mean I can take on the world. As I get ready for the race ahead, I am going over the path in my head because I keep my head in the race. Killian taught me that, heck, he taught me all of this. It feels like yesterday and not 8 years ago, driving down here and him telling me "Saveen, when you are racing your head needs to be here, focused and planning 3 steps ahead of the next person. Feel what your car is telling me and listen to it. You will win every race." he taught me so much, he never looked at me weird, he was my protector and my biggest heartbreak. I shake my head to get it back on right, so I can focus. I have already set up these next 3 races, these guys know if they lose, I get their cars, same way for me if I lose, they get pebbles. But let's face it, I will never let that happen, many have tried many failed. Sabine walks up to the starting line, signals for the first car to pull up, and then signals me. She looks me dead in my eyes and I nod, signaling I'm ready. She looks at my opponent, and her hands go up. Everything is quiet, I don't hear the roar of the engines, the roar of the crowd, I just hear "GO!"