Dimming lights

This story is about a young guy looking for an easy way out, following his father's footsteps. A street racing short story that I had in mind for a while and decided to share with other people, It will be a couple of short stories that I am planning to publish. thank you for reading.

DIMMING LIGHTS

J.A Esmoriz

During class hours, Max daydreamed about last night. He could still his heartbeat from

last night. He smiled to himself, feeling the rush coming back to his body again. He looked over

the window to count the cars that would pass by. He immediately shifted his thoughts to what he wanted to order next for his own prized possession, Mavis. Mavis is the 1998 Supra that he got from his father on his sixteenth birthday. He smiled at the thought of Mavis and he took mental notes that he needed to find ways to match his challenger's horsepower. Mavis was his life and he couldn't imagine losing his car. He was fast, but Max was faster. He won by a fender. He was grabbing his phone when he heard his name from his classmate right beside him, Alec. Alec has been a friend ever since he could remember. He knew everything about him but there has been some changes when he started racing for money. Alec just didn't really approve of it much because of how unsafe it was.

"Hey, what are you smiling about again?" he whispered while slightly leaning on his chair. He was chewing something in his mouth.

"Last night, obviously. You should come with me later." Max said to him semi-enthusiastically. He knew that his friends didn't approve of his new sport. He kept his 11:00 daily meet-ups to himself. Also, he didn't want to involve them. There were lots of police involved in these situations and he didn't want to endanger their futures just because of him. He wanted to have a life that only he would suffer the consequences on.

"Dude," Alec said, with a tone of concern and irritation. Alec even side-eyed him and gave a meaningful questioning nod. Max smiled at him and nodded. He knew that Alec would not approve. He knew none of his friends would. Even his mother continuously nags him to stop going out.

"I know. I'll be careful. I got this. Look at what I'm getting!" Max said as he pulled out his wallet from his back pocket. It was thick with bills and Alec opened his eyes widely upon the sight. He also thought he heard a sigh from him but he didn't notice.

"How dangerous was last night? You know your mom hates it when you stay out late.." Alec whispered. Max hid his wallet again and proceeded to his class. He didn't need more nagging from his friend. Why can't they just understand?

The day went on and by the end of the second class, he already ordered half of his shopping cart and agreed to meetups with online sellers. He specifically imports parts from Japan because this was how his father taught him to do it. Max admired his father and they fixed cars ever since he could remember. Now, it was up to him to continue his legacy. He took the job of proceeding with his passion and his interests and of course, his highway racing peers took him in as well. He entered the world with his father's vision on his mind.

Max is living in a particularly provincial place. It is a place where everyone knows everyone and is friends with each other. That is why his friends and classmates are always concerned about him. They think that this is his type of rebellion against his father's death, but it is not. He felt like he was doing his father a favor, a gift, a farewell present. He wanted his father to know that his passion will not die, and no amount of danger and risks can stop him. He knew he was young, but he was always careful. He knew his mother wouldn't be able to handle another loss. He made sure that all of his races were safe and that he would earn a lot for his future. He appreciated his friends. He wanted them to understand, more than anyone else. He thought that he would just give them time to see that he is safe, okay, and happy.

The day is over and he is walking with his friends Alec, Dion, and Eddie when a familiar voice crept from behind them. "MAX!!" she shouted. Max immediately smiled and opened his arms as Shayla jumped to give him a hug. Shayla is Max's girlfriend for a while now. She has been supportive of his passion, so he appreciates her and takes care of her in the best way he thinks he can.

"How was your day?" Max said, slowly leaving away from his friend group. He nodded towards them and focused his attention on his red-headed little princess. He just loved how her height perfectly stands around his chest area. He felt like a protector every time his arms are wrapped around her.

"Lameeee. What are we doing tonight? Can we hang out?" Shayla said with a pout. It has been a while since they just hung out. Max has been out for races for three days in a row. However, tonight's match is incredibly intense..

"Umm.." he said as he tried to think of a reason to wiggle out of the situation. Shayla immediately shot her an angry, yet weirdly cute, glare from the other side of his car. She was waiting for Max to open it.

"No, Max. You have skipped Shayla nights too much already." She said as she angrily tries to open the door. She raised her hand when she realized it was still locked. Max clicked the unlock key. Shayla crumpled her nose and went inside. Max sighed and opened his door and went in with a deep breath.

"Come on, Shayla. I promise this is the last night for this month. It's just there are too many competitors coming from outside the city and we are talking about the big shots here. I need to be there!" he said with his race face.

"Come on Max. I mean, I don't want to be the one to tell you this, but there has been too much on the news about these races.. and I just don't want to be the one to hear your name from my living room one day." She said, now calmly.

"Okay, Shayla. You know I'm careful. This is the last time this month okay?" he said as he grabbed her hand. She looked at his face. Max wondered if she saw how much she needed this. The competitors coming tonight were some of his father's friends. He wanted to be there. He wanted to have the assurance. Was he good enough like them?

"Okay, fine. Can I watch?" she said, now slightly more enthusiastic. Max just loved how comfortable he was around her. He felt like she knew him too much. He always wondered if that was a good thing, but he loved it. And he loved her.

"Fine. You can witness my greatness." He said as he winked and drove off from school. Shayla rolled her eyes as Max pressed the gas harder.