Racing Madness

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Just something that popped into my mind last night. I'd be happy to get any feedback.

*****************************************************

The adrenaline ran through his veins with every pulse from the engine. It was like a warmth inside him; like nothing ever felt before. His whole life cars had been his interest. Now was the time to live them.

Full-mooned, the night sky was studded with stars. Together they lit the suburban streets. Two dozen teenagers stood on either side of the road. Some were dark, others white; it mattered not. The religions, cultures, ways of life, meant nothing when the group of car-maniacs were together. Cars were cars. Racing, racing.

At last, the time had come. The clock was on twelve, and the drivers were prepared. They were ready. Both engines roared at each other, like feral beast before the showdown. Now was the time. In a flash of excitement, it began.

He switched to second gear. Hands sweaty, face dripping. The vehicle was hot, but he felt nothing. Nothing but the speed beneath him.

Third gear. Every tree, every building, time itself. They all flew by the automobile. Nothing mattered save the checkered line.

Fourth gear. Everything began to blur. The engine roaring drowned out his line of thought. He practically flew the car to the finish.

Fifth gear. The wheel was sticky, his hair damp. Nothing could stop the flaming engine now.

Sixth gear. The final step. The finish line. So close, but speed could not resist, could not be tamed. Never did he think of consequences, only actions and rewards. Only hope to be the best.

*****************************************************

Simon sat quiet and still on the side of the road. He hugged his knees up to his chin, tears running down the young youth’s cheeks. Tears. A teenager was crying. Sirens sounded in the far off distance. They, and the dozens of mourning teens along the suburban street, were the only things that broke the night’s silence.

Simon couldn’t cope with this. He had watched the cars roar. Watched his friend spin out of control. Spin off the road to his death. Even the comfort of Tasha’s arm draped around him could not eliminate the fear in the boy’s heart. Why had it happened? Why him?

Jarred Sutherland. He’d been a smart kid. Never did anything stupid. Never even thought of doing so. But things change when it comes the motors. Sutherland had been the nerdiest car nerd of all. He, of all people, knew all the cons and pros. He, of all people, knew the dangers. Jarred had everything. The reputation, the brains and the cash. Why him?

Tash finished whispering something, but Simon’s brain just ignored her sweet voice. His thoughts couldn’t escape the reality. Escape Jarred. It’ all the sobbing teen could think of.
“It had all happened so quickly.” Simon thought.

It was strange, death. It had changed everything, everyone, so quickly. The teenagers had lined the street, excitement and determination in their eyes. A dozen seconds passed, and the atmosphere exploded, then died, along with Jarred. Now Simon, the ‘Coolest’ of them all, sat in a gutter, crying his heart out. He cared not that the girl he was obsessed with held him close. He cared only for his friend, Jarred Sutherland, who’s life had ended in seconds, changing others’ for years to come.

[ January 21, 2005, 01:37: Message edited by: Lantus ]

 

I like the imagery--it reminds me of a short piece called "Auto-da-Fe" by Roger Zelazny.

 

Never read it, but will do so...

/me doesn't believe himself

Edited it, although it seems not many people car

[ January 21, 2005, 01:34: Message edited by: Lantus ]