Cherreads

Chapter 3 - First Ride

The heavy metal door opened into a small but clean alley way, Adrian and Drew stepping out of the kitchen quickly.

"The food's already packed up, the addresses are on your phone, and try not to crash this time." Drew said, giving Adrian a not-so-light smack on the back.

" That was almost 3 months ago, and I'm almost eighteen now. You don't need to remind me every single time I go on deliveries." Adrian groaned, walking toward the delivery bike covered by a large tarp.

"Better safe than sorry." Drew chuckled. "And speaking of that, your birthday's only two days away, so I figured I'd give you your gift early."

Adrian raised a brow before pulling the tarp away.

The old worn-out bike he expected was gone.

In its place stood a brand-new black motorcycle, sleek and aggressive, crimson streaks slashing across its frame like flowing fire.

He was in complete shock staring at his new gift in awe.

He turned around to find Drew smiling at him with his arms wide open "C'mere kid."

Adrian walked towards him and gave him a tight hug which he returned with a few light pats.

"How'd you know exactly what I wanted." He asked excitedly.

"I remember you'd always ask Mark to get you a motorcycle as a kid so I thought why not fulfill that dream of yours."

Suddenly Adrian's grip loosened as the mood turned melancholic.

"It's really been 3 years, huh." Drew sighed lightly, giving Adrian a reassuring pat on the back.

"I know they'd both be very proud at who you've become despite the struggle."

"Of course they would with you watching over me." Adrian gave a smile. "Now that's the spirit, okay we've spent too much time reminiscing already, you need to go out and make those deliveries."

"And as a bonus gift I'll even foot 70% of your first repair bill, but please try not to crash on your first ride."

"No promises." He fastened his helmet on.

"Welp good enough for me,good luck out there." Drew said walking back into the kitchen.

After he left, Adrian ran his fingers along the handlebars of his new gift, still hardly believing it was his. He took a deep breath, excitement and determination settling in as his gaze sharpened.

Swinging a leg over the bike, he eased himself onto the seat and wrapped his hands around the grips. The key turned with a smooth click, and a moment later the engine roared to life beneath him.

(A/N: Keys were left in the ignition btw)

A grin tugged at the corner of his lips as the machine growled with barely restrained power. He pulled out his phone memorizing the delivery route before tucking it back in his pocket. Let's go

He made a smooth turn at the mouth of the alley, the beast of a machine roaring as it burst onto the open street for its very first run.

Moments later, Adrian was weaving through the city roads, eager to discover what his new ride was capable of.

The wind rushed past him as the engine's deep growl echoed around the buildings. Every movement was smooth and effortless.

The suspension is incredible he thought as the bike glided over uneven pavement. I can barely feel the bumps. The tires grip the road perfectly, and just listen to that engine. A grin spread across his face.

He gave the throttle a twist, the engine answering with a powerful roar as he leaned into a turn and entered a quieter side street.

The bike surged forward the moment he accelerated.

"Whoa."His eyes widened slightly.

The acceleration's way faster than my old bike. This thing really moves.

He eased off the throttle, forcing himself to stay calm despite the excitement building inside him.

It's going to take some getting used to that's for sure. though he never stopped smiling.

Though... I love it nonetheless.

He was blitzing through the streets from one drop-off to another. Now on his last delivery, Adrian was close to finishing his route in record time.

He knocked on the door of the final house and waited patiently. A moment later, an elderly woman opened it, a kind smile resting on her face. Adrian returned the gesture.

"Syrup and honey pancakes for Mrs. Livia."

"That would be me. Thank you very much, dear," she said, accepting the lunchbox from his hands gently.

"You're welcome. Enjoy your meal."

With a grateful nod, she retreated back into the house, gently closing the door behind her.

Adrian turned away from the house, ready to hop onto his bike and speed back to the restaurant, when the front door suddenly swung open again.

A girl around his age rushed out, looking slightly disheveled, her hair a mess as she hurried down the porch steps. Behind her, the elderly woman called out from inside the house.

"Won't you join me for breakfast, dear?"

"Sorry, ma'am, but I'm already late as it is!" the girl yelled back, panic creeping into her voice. "If I stay any longer, I'll probably miss the entire class."

"Alright then," the woman replied. "I'll leave some leftovers in the fridge for you."

"Thanks!"

The girl waved without looking back and hurried toward the street, clearly in a rush. Then her eyes landed on Adrian standing beside his bike.

She hesitated for a moment before hurrying over to him. Adrian watched her approach, wondering what she wanted, but he wouldn't have to wait long to find out.

"Excuse me, could I ask you for a favor?" she asked nervously, fidgeting with her fingers. She took a deep breath before continuing.

"I have an important class I really need to attend, and I'm going to be late. I was wondering if you could give me a ride on your bike."

Adrian opened his mouth to respond, but she quickly continued.

"I would've taken the bus, but I already missed the first one, and who knows when the next one will arrive. And I know this is a huge favor to ask since we don't even know each other, but I'll make sure to pay you for the trouble, so if you could just—"

"It's okay."

Adrian cut her off before she could launch into another nervous ramble.

"I was planning to spend a bit riding around anyway so it's fine."

The girl's eyes widened with relief.

"Really?"

"Yeah."

For a moment, she simply stared at him before a bright smile spread across her face.

"Thank you so much!"

She's prettycute when she's all flustered like that. Adrian thought, chuckling under his breath

He tossed her a spare helmet before swinging a leg over the bike. Turning back toward her, he raised an eyebrow.

"What are you waiting for? Hop on."

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