A few days ago, Dante had limped through the finish line of his first year at Ninth House, scraping by with the bare minimum. but the bare minimum, that was enough for Dante, especially when it came to school. He didn’t get the point of half of these courses, Complete bullsh-t, he’d mutter under his breath after every particularly perplexing class. Besides his meager academic achievements, he had found his first year had been successful, he had found his place in Umbra Coven, and made some good friends across the campus but especially in his own house.
One of those friends was Renlin Duman, over the year they had gotten into trouble together a few times, but it had all been more than worth it for the thrill and excitement it had brought. While Dante would have to miss his other friends from Ninth House for a few months, he wouldn’t have to miss Renlin, as Dante had been invited to stay over with the Dumans. As he was finishing up packing his last things, he gave himself a smirk in the mirror. This summer is going to be one h-ll of a ride, he mused, anticipating the thrill and excitement that awaited.
His farewell to his mother was a casual mumble, and his father, in Dante’s eyes, didn’t merit a single word of goodbye. In that moment Dante felt quite grateful for Renlin, that he allowed him into his house, as the Blackwell house was a place where Dante preferred not to be. He then put on his motorcycle jacket, gloves and helmet. Securing his tail bag filled with clothes to the luggage rack of his motorcycle, he revved the engine and set off, music blasting through his helmet.
He was in for quite a ride to the Duman house, about an hour or 2 if everything went well. He loved the excitement of riding through all the traffic, having to constantly be alert. As a motor on the highway, one by far is the most at risk, yet that is part of what Dante enjoyed about it. Besides the wind rushing past him and the hum of the motor. Midway through, he took a break, shooting Renlin a text confirming he was on the road, making sure Renlin would be making it from the island to the mainland in time. The anticipation of the summer adventures fueled his determination to reach the Duman house, setting the stage for an unforgettable time.
As Dante cruised down the highway, the sun dipping below the horizon painted the sky in hues of orange and pink. The asphalt stretched out before him, a ribbon of freedom cutting through the landscape. However, the journey from his home to the Duman house was not without its unexpected twists. Unbeknownst to him, his spirited ride had caught the attention of a patrolling police officer.
As he accelerated down the highway, the distant flashing lights in his rearview mirror drew his attention. The realization that he had become the subject of law enforcement interest tightened a knot in his stomach. Glancing at his speedometer, Dante noted that he might have been pushing the boundaries a bit too much.
Reluctantly, he pulled over to the side of the road, the officer’s patrol car stopping behind him with a measured authority. Dante turned off his motorcycle, took off his helmet, and awaited the inevitable conversation. The officer, a stern-faced individual with a badge gleaming in the twilight, approached Dante.
“Good evening, sir,” the officer greeted, his tone carrying a mix of authority and suspicion.
Dante, maintaining his trademark nonchalant demeanor, replied with a casual nod. “Evening. What seems to be the problem, officer?”
The officer, scrutinizing Dante for a moment, explained the reason for the stop, citing concerns about his speed and riding behavior. Dante, with a charismatic grin, tried to play it cool, asserting that he was just enjoying the open road.
A brief exchange ensued, and it became apparent that Dante’s charm was working its magic. The officer, after a stern warning about road safety, allowed him to continue his journey with a cautionary shake of the head. As Dante revved the engine once more and merged back onto the highway, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of relief mixed with the thrill of narrowly avoiding a more significant detour.
The highway stretched out before Dante as the city lights disappeared in the rearview mirror. The encounter with the law enforcement officer was now a tale he’d share with a chuckle, and the night air held a certain freshness as he approached the meeting place from where they would be taking a boat. Spotting Renlin waiting, Dante pulled his motorcycle to a stylish halt on the parking, the engine’s growl subsiding as he killed the ignition.
Dante, tossing his helmet onto the passenger seat of the motorcycle, strolled over to his friend with a cocky smile. “Well, well, look who’s ready for a wild summer. Hope you’ve got some chaos planned, my friend. I’ve just narrowly escaped the clutches of the law to make it here.” He came a soft chuckle. Without missing a beat, Dante extended his hand for a fist bump, but before Renlin could respond, he pulled him into a pound hug, a swift and friendly embrace that spoke volumes about their camaraderie.
@Madilnel - Renlin