For several minutes I blinked my eyes unable to grasp what happened. I was not even sure where I was; with a jolt I jumped up from a hard bed and that repulse dragged me back to the soft pillows, because my head was throbbing with such intensity. The pain blinded me for a full minute and this time I slowly got up.

In front of me sat the most impeccable heartthrob that made me feel weak and strong at the same time. There were a few scratches and bruises plus a bandage on his left arm. Nat was lying on her bed with a nurse attending to her. She too didn't seem to have big problems. Thank you lord! The rest were okey but something interested me. There were reporters, lots and lots of them, excitedly chatting to their news channel to make this exclusive for their enterprise.

"... luckily the riders were escaped with a few scratches and bruises. IML Bike Tournament authority just spoke to News Vision exclusively apologizing to everyone for this inconvenience and they let us know that the rescheduled date for the final round will be announced within couple of hours. So, stay tuned IML fans for your stunners will be back in power; until then, we can cross fingers for their fast relief. This is AndyMyers with JeffersonStuart behind screen." "Oh, Jeff, that was a relief. God, didn't I mess it up?"

"It's good; we will have to interview that Alexander from Red Scars before someone else has him. Like you said before, he was the only one being targeted."

"Yea, but I don't think this is the right time. Come I need to refresh. We need to get him before he leaves."

So what did actually happen? I was dying to know but my headache was so excruciating I just wanted to drink three Advil and curl up in my duvet. Alex didn't see me got up nor did anyone else; so, I was about to make my way up to Alex when inspector Jenkins walked to me.

"Hey sunshine, I was coming to check on you. Are you okey?"

"What happened? You promised nothing will happen. WHAT happened?" I snapped at him.

"Umm... nothing much and sorry I promised you that because this was completely unexpected. The little explosion was made by a geek novice who didn't know who asked him to do it; he sneaked in through the bake entrance without anyone noticing and I was really stunned by that. He said he was paid in large numbers, six whole numbers to be precise. Man, I would doubt him if he said no to that offer. Well, I wanted to sue these people but Alex asked me not to. I was furious, because I wanted to provide my guards but they insisted they got it saying it was a disgrace for their name. Douche bags... sorry; well, good thing this boy didn't know how to activate that thing properly. Otherwise, I..."

He didn't need to complete because I know what would have happened. I crossed my hands and prayed hard to thank my Lord above for saving me from the complete shutdown if Alex was...

"Hey beautiful..." I opened my eyes to glare and snap.

"YOU are stopping this stupid game THIS instanT."

"Oooh..." his face was scrunched up in a very cute expression but I didn't let that show on my face because I wanted to be mad at him. Only then can I convince him that he needed to stop this dangerous game. Before he could say anything I turned my face from him gaping mouth and snapped at Jenkins.

"Why was I knocked out inspector?"

"You just retrieved from a shock; this one was another one of those."

"I-I saw fire and smo-smoke..." I remember seeing it in midst of the dust and I was dying to know what happened.

"That was my bike, my baby is completely lost..." Alex answered me dreamily and I instantly felt sad for him but the brain wave that the bike may have been Alex made me red again.

"GOOD, now you won't compete in the finals. You said you have been winning this for forever right? You don't need it from now on. GOT.IT"

"Angel, you are quite distorted... why don't we rest now and talk later."

"Rest can wait, talk cant... distorted? My ass! I want you to be off from this, THIS INSTANT!"

"Angel, darling... I told you this is my dream... I want to do this one more year and then I will stop for good." His voice was incredulously calm and pleading. Can't he understand?

"Can you not understand ALEX? YOU ARE MY LIFE... if this is your dream; you are bigger than a dream for me. That bike could have been you..."

"Darling that was the game of stupid Den. Plus, angel... you know you are my life too. Why do you think I worked my ass off for this year? This price is something that happens in five years. I have worked so hard for this year. I have worked so hard this past six years for this one year. After this year, there is a difference; I can't participate dear, because you know, you know I will be 25 next year. Please girl, please..."

I know I was acting crazy, a little too much drama. But the truth was I lost my mother and was being thrown out by a father. My brother was away with his life and Alex was the only boy who turned to me for risking a chance with me. I too was getting old, being 20 and fresh out of high school, already with losing two years, one because of father and one because of Lena; I can't afford to lose myself again. I can't afford to lose him; because in this 19 years to be precise, I will be 20 next month; I never had a relationship and if I lose him, then I will lose myself. I looked at him and saw his chocolate pools melting because if I said no, then I will crush him. He will accept my word, but then I won't be able to live happily keeping that silly secret in heart that he left his dream because of my fear.

I closed my eyes and raised my head to watch the clouds that was now bringing darker shades into action. Meaning, it was getting late and the tournament would have been finalized if it hadn't been for that stupid bomb by Den. God, why was this so complicated?

"Fine... but, I will not come with you to the finals." I didn't wait to hear him. But, from the corner of my eyes, I saw his shoulders droop and he pinched the bridge of his nose. But, no way will I come to watch his dangerous twirl and bike exchanging which I know was the final show for the finals. I saw a glimpse of it and I remember fainting while watching them.

By instinct I reached the ice cream shop and bough a very big chocolate vanilla sundae with caramel and choc chip crushed cookies and caramel syrup. I wanted this sugar. I asked them to go extra hand and pour a little of that hot chocolate too. The girl behind the counter gave me a funny look and did as I told.

"Girl, if you had any issue with your boy love; don't destroy your body with this."

"I need this sugar hun, otherwise I will..."

"Oh dear, don't cry... sure take this glazed doughnut, you will feel better." She winked at me and I laughed. She was the one who gave me a piece of advice before; but now she was stuffing probably as much sugar as this glass holds.

Dreamily I walked to a table which was in the far end where I was really secluded. I sat down and watched the hot chocolate slithering through the cold, melting everything in its path. Because I was scared, I was not able to touch any of. I was really drained and exhausted. In addition to it my migraine was not really helping. In my fazed mind, I didn't realize when Alex came to sit next to me. The sound of a loud slurp brought me back to reality and I saw Alex sitting in his boyish charm and a huge grin.

"What?" I snapped at him."

"I quit. I am not doing this again. The authority will come now and I say I quit."

I gasped at his cheery voice and wanted to cry right then and there.

"But, I am sorry hun, you... you shouldn't quit."

"Angel, you are my life and if the other half of my soul is not happy with something I do, I should listen. So, I quit."

"No, I want..."

"Oh, here they come." And he waved them over to my bench.

"Hello Mr.Alex... I heard you are planning to quit."

"Yes, Mr. Lucas, as you are well aware of the fact about what happened today? You assured us everything is handled and in good hands."

"I am very sorry for the inconvenience Mr.Alex, but you very well know you can't back out from the contract."

"What contract?" I asked doubtfully.

"Oh but Mr.Lucas, but, I didn't sign recklessly on your contract. You assured every Clubs, full support and security, didn't you? But today's event was, umm in contrast to your norms, wasn't it? So I must..."

"Alex, please... don't..."

He was silent for a few minutes and I was praying real hard for him not to quit.

"Alex, I won't live ever happily after knowing what you did for me." His silence continued and we were all getting impatient.

"Mr.Alex... we don't have whole day. I was notified by your paramedic that your sprain is in the right hand; am I right? Yes, it will heal within three days if you take care as per his suggestion. So, I only need a word from you to fix the date on next week. It sure was a shame for the name of our company. We have sued that Mr. Den for this inconvenience. He won't be getting out real soon. So, Mr.Alex..."

"Will you come with me to the finals Angel?"

"That I won't, and please don't force me..."

"Cut my name from my gang Mr.Lucas."

"FINE I will go. Mr.Lucas, it was a pleasure talking to you."

"Alright then, the finals for this tournament will be on Friday the 14th of next week. Are we good?"

"Yes, thank you."

Without another word Lucas and his fellow swayed away. I must admit, that person was a walking persona of pride. Without another word, Alex got my ice-cream and started slurping with loud noise. So, I did what I wanted to do. I bit a huge piece from the doughnut and chewed it nosily. We both glared at each other and the noises gradually stopped, the glare softened to stares, the grim line softened to chuckles. We held hands and finished the treat. After that, he took me by the hand and wheezed out before the reporters saw us. He texted Nat and others to let them know we are out. And to our surprise, they texted back they are waiting for us in the west exit. Great!