Chasing Champions

I just want to feel happy right now, please...

Sarah POV:

As I make my way back to my truck I see the same group of guys from this morning. I get a thought in my head and before I could get it out of my head I ride over to them. When they realize that a Pro rider is coming over they start to fan boy making me laugh. As I pull up and kill the bike they start asking me who I was and how'd I do. Before I say a word I take my helmet off and their jaws drop. I look the asshole from earlier right in the eyes and say,

"Hi, names Sarah Lawrence. I'm a rookie from Australia. And I just qualified 10th overall. How are you all?"

As they just stare in shock, I smirk and start my bike and go to take off. Right as I go to release the clutch one guy says,

"Whoa, that's honestly really cool. I wish you the best of luck girl!"

I blink a few time before I give him a small smile, I thank him as I ride a off. As I pull up to the truck I see someone I wasn't expecting to see. As I get off my bike and put it on the stand I turn to face the person waiting with a smile.

"Hi, how can I help you?"

The guy walks up and shakes my hand and says,

"Hey, names Axell. You got a sec?"

I could feel myself fall into confusion over why he'd want to talk but I agreed. Unknowing to me this would be where my racing career really begins.

_____

After an hour of talking, Axell gives me a bro hug and walks off. As soon as he is out of site I fall back into my chair in disbelief, wondering if this was a dream. Sure, it wasn't a sure deal till I meet what they want but, it was amazing. After a minute I shake it off and go work on my bike. Changing the shock rebound and lifting the forks just a bit. I put some gas in it and wipe it down. After that was all done I grabbed a water and headed to the gates. As I got closer, the more I got jittery. I stop just short of the gates and take it all in. The riders, the mechanics, the girls, the families, the fans, just everything. And all I felt was at home. This is where I belonged, and I'll be damned if I lose this feeling anytime soon.

After the first 9 pick their gate I was up next. I look up and down and see Jett and Hunter looking at me, most likely wanting me to go gate next to them. But that would be dangerous, for them not me. I'd drop kick them off their bikes like I've done back home before. My eyes settle on a gate and with a laugh under my breath I go to it. Good ol' lucky number 13. Either this was a great idea or I have already shot myself in the foot. As I try and hold my bike and dig my rut at the same time I feel bike bike suddenly leave my hand. In panic I snap my head up and see Axell chilling on my bike. I just blink at him before shaking my head and finishing my starting rut. I finish and Axell pushes my bike into place. He looks at me and grins,

"Sorry, couldn't let a pretty lady work to hard now."

I just laugh shaking my head and hit him on the shoulder. I open my water and drink half of it and look down the start stretch. I was surprised I didn't feel nervous, I felt focused and ready to kick some ass. Just like it was back home. Out of nowhere, I feel Axells arm go around my shoulders as he leans his head close to my ear,

"Look, I can tell your ready to go in guns blazing. But don't get over your head here. Just go out, race your race, and focus on you. I've seen you ride back home on some videos before, you know what you are doing for sure, and one helluva racer. Just keep it smart and you'll have nothing to worry about. And I'll be here at the end."

I stare at him in awe. He hardly knew me but hit the nail right on the head. He knew I had no one waiting for me at the end, so he stepped up to that role. And honestly that meant a lot. I give him a smile and a soft elbow nudge and say,