"Glad to hear it. And don't think too much about it. Leena and her family are good people and they are kind to others." Kevin comforted Claire, and then added in his heart bitterly, 'except for me.'
"I know, bro. I'm just trying to figure myself out." Claire stared at the neon signs at various establishments they zoomed past. The nightlife here was so much livelier than in the capital. She knew all the hot spots in her home city -- it seemed like she would need a lifetime to see everything in this place.
Leena followed Kevin. Her car followed behind them most of the time. But they lost her after the traffic lights. Leena didn't really live her life on fast forward. She braked on yellow, waiting patiently for the light to turn green.
But Leena's mind wasn't on the road, it was on Bella. Bella was coming to visit. Ever since she heard that, she had the feeling of impending doom. But she couldn't pin down exactly why. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't even notice that the light had turned green. The horn behind her shattered her reverie and brought her back to reality. But just as she was about to pull forward and continue her journey, someone behind her was too impatient and slammed into her car. It was good the car wasn't going full speed, but it still sent her head flying into the steering wheel. She saw stars before the pain started.
And before she could react, someone was knocking on her driver's side window. Then she heard a voice, harsh and abusive, "Damm it! Do you even know how to drive, lady?"
Leena raised her head, blinking away the pain, and then looked out the window. There were a few young men standing outside her car. They were all into street fashion. Some wore bright colors and canvas shoes, along with vintage tees. But another struck a more sinister figure, with a studded leather jacket and an angry expression. But even so, Leena still had to open the door and get out of the car. After all, she should deal with the accident. No matter whose fault it was, the most important thing was that they couldn't block traffic.
"I'm sorry! I didn't notice the green light. I apologize," Leena said. Leena was not a fighter and didn't like conflict. She apologized first, because she didn't want this to erupt into major drama. But it didn't matter to these kids. Leena, who was fair-skinned and attractive, must be a rich lady who came from a decent family. Just looking at her car and the way she was dressed, these guys figured she must have a lot of money. How could they let such a golden goose pass unplucked?
"Lady, you wrecked our car! Just look at that! The front's all crumpled! Well? Say something! Are you gonna pay for that?" One of the young men said. He looked at Leena with a glint in his eye. He chewed gum, occasionally blowing a bubble in his mouth and popping it loudly. He was nearly awestruck by his good luck. In front of them, it was a rich and good-looking woman. Not bad, considering they deliberately floored it and hit her car. They were intending to blame her for it.
Pay for it? Why? I don't think so. You crashed into me, not the other way around. You should be paying me! Maybe we should leave this to the insurance agencies." Leena smiled arrogantly. She'd let it go if these young men could be reasonable. After all, she was partly at fault as she didn't notice the green light and stayed in one spot for awhile. She indeed had blocked traffic. But if they were trying to extort money from her, she wouldn't let them off the hook so easily. She didn't like to be threatened.
"Pay you? Ha! So you're telling me you don't wanna pay? I'm sure a body like yours could make us lots of money -- as a whore!" As they said this, they laughed loudly, showing her filthy, licentious smiles.
"Really? Blackmail? Prostitution? You've been watching too many movies. Save your laughter for when you're dealing with the insurance claim." Leena lifted up her chin and looked at them contemptuously. These young thugs outnumbered her, but she still wouldn't give in. It was the principle of the thing. First, she didn't do anything wrong. Second, she hated thugs, and hated those who would try to force other people to fork over their hard-earned money.
Ha ha! "Well played! You're either really brave, or really stupid, you know that?" one of the youths with yellow hair said. "You should be more respectful and play the weak, little girl," he continued, "you don't know what we'll do to you if you don't. You've got a pretty face. And it will be a shame to mess it up..." He reached out his hand and touched Leena's beautiful face. He smiled and said, "mmm mmm mmm." The sexual meaning was obvious.
What do you want? You might think twice before doing anything. The cops take a dim view of people like you!" Until now, Leena was a little afraid. She took a step back. She was outnumbered and scared that they might try something.
The cops!" he spat, "the cops won't do anything to us. They're too scared! C'mon, just pay up...or else!" To be honest, they wouldn't try anything here. Out in the open, any number of people could come to her aid. But in an alley, without so many people around... She was a beautiful woman, and you could imagine what they'd try if they could.