7:30 p.m.
Bryan put his phone back in his pocket as he stood at the bus stop waiting for Bernadette.
The street was lively and people walked around without any reservations. It seemed like they'd gotten over the fear of the serial murderer.
Bryan stood by the roadside just outside the bus stop, savouring the feeling of the cool breeze that brushed past his skin.
He never liked Haston city's cold weather but today, it seemed to have changed a bit. It was cold but also soothing.
Soon, Bernadette arrived at the bus stop. She had an apologetic look on her face. "Sorry I'm late. I had to take care of a few things." She explained.
"It doesn't matter. At least you didn't back out." Bryan gave a smile.
"You really dressed up, huh?" Bryan gestured at her outfit.
It was a tight fitting sports shirt and pants all in black.
"Really? Is it too much?" Bernadette asked innocently since she didn't have any experience with this. She had always dressed up like this and all the people there thought she was cool.
"Of course not. I was just teasing you." Bryan smiled broadly as he saw the funny look Bernadette had on her face.
"So, do we walk there?" Bryan asked out of respect for her tradition- no, hobby.
"No! What about your bike?" She interjected animatedly.
Still haven't forgotten about the bike....
"I parked it over there. I didn't think we'd need it, since we could easily get a bike there."
Bryan pointed to his bike which was parked not too far from the bus stop.
Bernadette had mentioned that the night racing had options for people who didn't have their own bikes; they could easily borrow one from other people who didn't want to race just yet.
Bryan put on his helmet and got on the bike. Bernadette sat behind him, putting her arms around his body.
Bryan flinched a bit when their bodies made contact. She had really soft skin. He had held her hands before and although they seemed soft, the feeling was not the same.
He sped off.
After driving for a few minutes, they arrived at an opened space that seemed like a stadium with racing courses.
There were some people already there and a race had already begun. She led him to the white board and filled in their names.
"We we'll start at the next round." Bernadette informed Bryan who was focused on the on-going race.
"We?" Bryan glanced at her.
"Yes. You didn't think I'd let you race alone, did you?"
"Of course not."
Of course yes! Bryan derided himself inwardly. He thought she would be watching on the side lines cheering him on, but it turned out she was going to be on the bike.
"Hey, Bernadette baby! How long has it been?" A lean muscular guy walked over with a helmet in hand.
"Hi. Marro, this is my friend, Bryan. Bryan, this is Marro." Bernadette introduced.
"Your boyfriend?" The guy shook hands with Bryan.
"Firm handshake." Marro commented as he looked Bryan up and down.
"Does it matter? Just know that I'm with him today." Bernadette snapped back.
Bryan offered a smile, "nice to meet you, too."
"Is he here for the race?" Marro asked. He had never seen Bernadette bring someone here, and even if she did, it would definitely not be a man.
"Yeah. We will race next turn." Bryan answered briefly while watching the race which was coming to an end.
"Both of you?" Marro sounded alarmed.
"She has never raced before! Back then, I even tried to convince her to join along but she refused.
Just how did you convince her?" Marro complained with anger visible in his voice.
"Really? You seemed pretty interested about the race, how come you never wanted to join?" Bryan asked finding it completely unlike this over enthusiastic girl.
"Just didn't want to race with them. Besides, racing with you, is an abomination!" Bernadette pointed at Marro who felt really hurt. He had been chasing this girl for so long and she kept giving him the cold shoulder. How come she is so close to this frail guy?
....
After the first race was over, Marro pointed at a woman with wavy long brown hair who had won and said, "She's Ruth, the current undefeated champion as far as this small racing committee is concerned."
"She's racing again?" Bryan asked.
"Yeah, she always races all ten rounds for the night. Seriously, she is a powerhouse!" Marro exclaimed.
"I think you can beat her!" Bernadette cheered Bryan on.
"Yeah right, we'll see." Marro shook his head as he watched the girl with a stoic expression who seemed to be doing all she could just to make this new guy happy!