Free Racing for Freedom by Bec Botefuhr Page A

usual second spot. As always, Slade got better times than me. When the lights go off, I drop my clutch and lurch forward. The car grumbles angrily and I curse myself for letting that clutch go so quickly. I pick up my game and slide through the gears as I gain speed. I don’t even look at Slade’s car, I just focus on the road ahead of me. Nothing else matters but that road.
    When the first corner approaches, I remember my father’s words and I lower my speed going into it, and pick up my speed going out. It works and I smoothly slide around the corner. Feeling adrenaline pump through my veins, I pick up my speed, determined. I pass the second and third corner with ease, and when I reach the fourth I slide around it beautifully. We’re only doing five laps today, and by the fifth I have the corners down perfectly.
    One the last corner of the last lap, I focus all my attention on getting it right. I whizz around and sail out the other side with ease. When I see that finish line, I focus on nothing else. With all my will power, I keep my car in line, my hands tremble as I get closer and closer, knowing I’m the first car. Knowing I’m the winner. When I pass it, a squeal of excitement leaves my throat. I slow the car and come to a stop, and then I leap out.
    Slade was over the line seconds after me, but it didn’t matter. I won, I won fair and square. Lucas is running towards me and with a scream I leap onto him, wrapping my legs around his waist and screaming happily. He cheers and laughs as he spins me around. When he lets me go, John takes me into his arms and whoops happily.
    “Girl, you kicked ass!”
    “I won!” I squeal.
    I turn and look over at Slade, who is standing against the sidelines, being yelled at by Michael. I narrow my eyes and watch as Michael gets in his face, snarling and cursing. Slade looks…almost scared. His usual arrogance isn’t around and he’s nodding with his head lowered.
    “Dash?”
    I hear my name and turn back to Lucas and John with a smile.
    “I’m so happy.”
    “You did good kid,” John grins, patting me on the back. “Don’t forget the formal dinner on Saturday night.”
    “I won’t, thanks John.”
    He smiles at me once more. “Your dad would be proud.”
    Then he leaves and I lose my smile. My first win and my dad isn’t here to see it. I lower my eyes to the ground and Lucas grips my arms.
    “He’s missing out, but I’m here and you did great.”
    I smile and look up at him. “Thank you.”
    “Why don’t we go to lunch and celebrate?”
    “Sure, I’ll head home and get changed, and then I’ll meet you at Denny’s?”
    “Sure.”
    He hugs me once more and then leaves. I walk over to my car and lean against it, proud of what I’ve achieved.
    “Don’t get used to it, Dasha.”
    I turn when I hear Michael’s voice. Slade is standing behind him, staring at me but his expression isn’t awful or cunning, it’s full of pride.
    “Can’t take it that your son lost to a girl?” I say, standing and facing him.
    “It was once, it won’t happen again.”
    “We’ll see.”
    “Where’s your daddy, can’t even come to watch his daughter race?”
    I swallow but stand my ground. “Your taunts won’t work, I’m not going to lose my game.”
    “We’ll see about that.”
    He walks off and I stare at Slade as he goes past. He stops and turns, looking at me over his shoulder.
    “Good Race, Dashy.”
    Then he follows his father off and leaves me standing with a warm, but broken heart.

Chapter Nineteen
     
    “I won dad,” I say to my father that night, as I’m cooking him dinner.
    “I’m so proud of you, Dash.” He says, more to the television than me.
    “It wasn’t by much, but it was a win.”
    “A win is a win, it doesn’t matter how close.”
    I smile over at him as I chop the carrots for his stir fry. He looks worn, tired and not himself.
    “You ok dad?”
    “Sure, just tired.”
    “You know, the final race is in a few months. I’d love