Lap 2

5 Days Later

I rubbed my eyes as I exited the motel room I was staying at for the night, as the late afternoon sun shined down on me. It had been a long and mildly uncomfortable trip across the country, but I somehow managed to make it just a few hours away from Canterlot City without being pulled over or questioned by the cops. During my trip, it was as if every radio station was talking about the incident back in Rockport like it was the hottest news of the century. Not that I could blame them, since I left the city in a very chaotic state and Cross was probably losing his shit since I was able to get away. I yawned as I slung my new duffle bag full of clothes and essentials I bought along the way and trudged back to my car. I then saw that there were some young high school looking girls ogling my car.

One girl had rainbow hair with light blue skin and she looked like she was some kind of athlete. Another looked like a farm girl and wore a stetson with tan colored skin. Lastly, a girl with butter cream colored skin and light pink hair stood close to the others and she looked a little shy. As I walked up to my car, I could hear what they were saying.

“Holy crap! This thing must cost a ton!” The rainbow head said.

“It’s a pretty damn fine lookin’ car. That’s for damn sure,” The cowgirl agreed.

“It has such a nice color, I wonder who owns it?” The pink haired girl wondered in a shy tone.

“That’d be me,” I said, making her yelp and the others turn to me.

“This is your car?” The rainbow head asked.

“Yep,” I nodded, pulling out my keys and unlocking the door.

“Well shoot, mister, ya must do pretty well for yerself if you can score a snazzy lookin’ ride like this,” the farm girl commented.

“In a manner of speaking, I guess you can say that,” I shrugged as I tossed my duffle bag in the back seat.

“We’re sorry for staring too much,” the pink shy girl apologised.

“Oh please, I don’t mind it,” I waved it off. “She tends to draw a crowd all the time.”

“She?” They all said in unison.

“Well sure, all nice rides like this one are she’s,” I said.

“And why’s that?” The rainbow haired girl wondered.

“Because like all pretty ladies, a gentleman must always be sure to treat them right,” I said playfully.

“Oh god, that had to be the cheesiest line I’ve ever heard,” the rainbow haired girl groaned.

“If our other friend heard that, she’d definitely go ga-ga over you,” the cowgirl jokes.

“Is that right? Well to be fair, it’s just something my old man used to say all the time. He always had a knack for being, as you say, cheesy as hell,” I said, walking around to the driver’s seat. “By the way, mid if I ask you three a question?”

“Shoot,” The cowgirl said.

“I’m sorta new around these parts. I’m trying to get to Canterlot City, mind telling me how much farther I have?”

“Canterlot City? That’s where we live!” The rainbow haired girl said. “We’re about to head back ourselves from summer vacation.”

“Really? Huh, small world,” I chuckled.

“Yup, and you ain’t got that long to go, partner. Just keep going down that highway and you’ll get there in no time,” the farm girl said, pointing down the street towards the freeway entrance.

“Much obliged,” I nodded and climbed in my car. I put the key in the ignition and turned the key, making my car hum to life. The slight rev of the engine made the pink haired girl yelp and jump back a bit and the other two look at my car with great admiration. I rolled down my window and smiled at the girls. “You three have a nice day, and thanks again.”

They all waved goodbye as I drove away. I did as they instructed and followed the road towards the city. As I drove, memories of my brief time in Canterlot City came back to me. I wondered where Shining Armor ended up after I left? I think I remember him saying that his parents were thinking about doing something special soon but I never got the chance to find out what it was. And then there was that girl, Cherry. I still couldn’t place her name during my trip across the country. All I remember was her pretty pink hair and that warm smile of hers. Other than that, the years I spent with my dad and in Rockport City as a street racer mostly filled my mind. I decided to turn on the radio to listen to some tunes as I drove.

“We return with the latest news of the high speed chase that transpired in Rockport City,” the radio said, making me flinch. “The eastern city seemed to have an infamous streak of street racers that terrorized its citizens. Including the notorious Blacklist Racers who were said to be the most dangerous drivers in the city. However recently, a lone street racer, whose face and name remain unidentified, single handedly dismantled their entire operation while also tearing his way through the streets and causing major property damage. The Lead traffic police officer, Jonathan Cross, tracked down and arrested the Blacklist Racers and then called in every available unit to chase down the lone racer. Unfortunately, the street racer was able to evade the police pursuers by jumping the abandoned Creek Bridge on the edge of the city where he made his escape. Authorities have yet to locate this dangerous street racer and are asking anyone to be on the lookout for a white BMW sports car with blue racing stripes. If anyone sees anything matching the description of the criminal’s vehicle, please call your local authorities as soon as possible, thank you.”

I turned the radio off and sighed as I continued to drive along the highway. Cross was quick on his word and actually made my case national level. Now the whole country is looking for me, but more specifically my car. I hope Mia was good on her word and hid the BMW well enough as to not get discovered. Knowing Cross, he would no doubt try and use it to find me and send it to the scrap heap. I still recall how I left her that night, by herself after I called things off with her. I shook my head so I wouldn’t dwell on such things. Mia was behind me and as was Rockport. I needed to focus on the now and keep my mind focussed on laying low until the heat dies down so I can head back to Rockport for my BMW.

A few more hours went by and it was now a little after noon. My destination was now in sight and I felt myself smile a little. Canterlot City looked so much different than before, much bigger and a lot more people than when I was a kid. First thing’s first, I needed to find a place to stay. Nothing too fancy and nothing too run down, I just need someplace simple enough to settle down for the time being. I drove through the city streets in search of a place that had vacant apartment rooms. They all seemed nice and I almost went for a nice loft but I needed to remind myself what I was really looking for. I had finally come across a five story building that looked pretty average from the others.

I pulled in the parking lot, parked my car, and headed to the office to see if they had any spare rooms. There was a woman behind the counter wearing glasses and a simple sweater vest. Her hair was dark brown and styled in a ponytail tied with a hair tie. She was watching something on a small TV but I froze for a moment. She was watching the news, and they were showing pre recordings of some of the high speed chases of me and Cross.

“Oh, hello,” the lady said, muting the TV. “Can I help you?”

“Uh…yeah,” I mumbled, tearing my gaze from the TV. “I’m new in town and I’m looking for an apartment to rent.”

“I see, well you’re in luck,” the lady said as she pulled out a binder. “We have 3 rooms available for rent. There’s one on the second floor, third floor, and fifth floor of the building.”

“Are any of them not near the elevator?” I wondered.

“The one on the fifth floor is on the other side of the building, if that’s what you’re looking for?”

“Sounds great, I’ll take it.”

“Perfect, now I am required to tell you that the room comes with the essential furniture such as a bed, a couch, charis, etc. Any other additions to your room, you must clear with me so I can see if it is allowed or not. The rent is due by the end of every month and the cost is about $700-$1,000, is that acceptable?”

“Yep, no argument here,” I nodded. “I can pay it automatically.”

“Good, do you perhaps have any form of employment?”

“Not exactly, as I said, I’m new in town.”

The lady scratched her chin for a moment then smirked at me. “You know, I have a friend at the local high school who told me that they are looking for a bus driver. The old one quit and the staff has had to settle with using their own teachers as substitute drivers until they can find a new one.”

“No offence, but what makes you think I wanna be a bus driver?” I asked.

“You like to drive, don’t you? That fancy car that’s parked out there says it all,” the lady commented, pointing at my Aston Martin.

“Heh, I guess you got me,” I chuckled. “But a bus seems like a bit of a downgrade from my actual ride.”

“Hey, it’s better than flipping burgers over a greasy grill right?”

“God forbid…” I shuddered. “Fine, I’ll look into it.”

“Great, and it’s perfect timing too. The new school year is about to start next week and I think they would be very appreciative for a fresh face like yourself to fill the position in.”

“Here’s hoping, thanks for the opportunity Ms…”

“Harley, Harley Silver,” she said, extending her hand.

“John Doe,” I said my fake name back, shaking her hand.

“John Doe?”

“Yeah, I know, that’s the name people use when they don’t know the name of someone else. But trust me, it’s my actual name my dumbass of an old man gave me.”

“Heh, no fooling?” Harley giggled. “Well John, I think this might be the start of a great friendship.”

She opened the binder and pulled out the paperwork for me to sign. After I finished filling out the paperwork, Harley gave me my room key and I headed up to my new room. I rode the elevator up and walked down the hall to reach the door with the numbers 512 on the door and unlocked it. The apartment was a simple studio apartment, nothing fancy, an average sized bed with a sofa on the other side of the room and a couple of chairs. The kitchen was a bit small but nothing too fancy and it was all split off by a wall that led to the bedroom. I tossed my duffle bag on the bed and approached the sofa and slumped down with a heavy sigh.

“Finally made it,” I said contently. “I wonder what’s on?”

I reached over to pick up the remote on the little nightstand beside the sofa and turned on the TV. Only as soon as I did, the news was on and they were still going over everything about me and my car chases. The mere sight of me in one of my old cars, driving away at high speeds away from the cops made me turn the TV off immediately and put me in a sour mood.

“Ugh, I’ll just take a damn nap instead,” I grumbled as I grabbed a pillow on the sofa as I picked my feet up and laid down. I waited until my eyes slowly shut and I drifted off to sleep.

2 hours later

I sluggishly woke up and yawned loudly and smacked my lips. As I picked myself up from the sofa, I glanced out the window to see that it was now night time. I rubbed my eyes and stretched my arms out but was still groggy from my nap. I was about to just throw off my clothes and call it a night but my stomach said otherwise as it growled loudly. My dad always told me that it was never good to sleep on an empty stomach. I grabbed my apartment key and trudged towards the door and locked it and headed down to go and find a place to grab a quick bite. Harley was still at the desk, but she looked half asleep so I decided not to bother her. I pulled out my smartphone and checked to see if there were any fast food joints open nearby and saw there was a burger joint just around the corner. I would drive there, but I felt as though I could use the exercise.

I then exited the building and walked down the street towards the restaurant. It was a quiet night here in Canterlot City and I could hear some cars passing by in the distance. I sometimes heard what sounded like cars speeding by but I figured it wasn’t likely in a city like this. I eventually made it to my destination and saw it was an outdoor seating restaurant. I could see through the windows a bald fat guy at a grill flipping burgers and was actually smiling at his work. As I walked up to the window, I noticed there was a woman sitting at one of the open tabes. I had to do a bit of a double take on her as I walked past her since she was probably the hottest woman I’ve ever seen.

She wore a light purple shirt that exposed her flat stomach and dark blue short shorts that hugged her ass and thighs nicely. Her hair was a midnight blue color, her eyes were a pretty light blue, and her skin was a light midnight blue. She seemed to not notice me since she was reading a book and munching on some fries and had a drink next to her. I shook my head and waited for the guy to come and take my order. The man looked up from the grill and smiled as he walked over and leaned his head down to talk through the open window.

“Welcome to Big Billy Bob’s Burgers,” he greeted in a kind tone. “Name’s Big Billy Bob, what can I get you son?”

“Just a burger and fries please,” I said as I pulled out my wallet.

“Coming right up, $6.50, cash only,” Billy Bob said as he walked back to the grill.

I fished a $10 bill out of my wallet and placed it on the window and he swiped it and stuffed it in his pocket. I turned around to see the woman was looking at me curiously and I just gave her a mock wave and was left to my thoughts.

“You seem to be new to this city,” the woman said, making me turn back to her.

“What makes you say that?” I asked.

“I usually come here to Mr. Billy Bob’s every now and then and see a variety of people pass by. Yet I have not seen your face before. I can only assume you are either new to the city or this is your first time at this establishment.”

“Well that’s certainly an impressive deduction, miss,” I chuckled. “But to answer your question, you’re half right.”

“Half right? How so?”

“I’m an old resident of Canterlot City,” I explained. “I moved away here at a young age with my old man and just got here earlier today.”

“Is that right? Then tell me, where is it you are returning from?”

“Rockport City.”

“Rockport City?!” Billy Bob snorted as he peeked through the window. “That place has gone crazy with all those street racer thugs driving around! Especially that one guy who gave the cops the slip and is now being hunted down by every cop on the Eastern Seaboard! I heard he’s also got a huge ass bounty on his head, which is impressive, for a street racer.”

“It must have been difficult to live in such a dangerous city with individuals like those street racers,” the woman said. “You were wise to leave when you did.”

“I agree with little Luna here, you dodged a bullet leaving that shit hole!” Billy Bob chortled as he went back to grilling.

“It…wasn’t all bad,” I shrugged. “It was tough, but my old man and I managed.”

“I see, and where is your father?”

“He’s, uh…not around anymore,” I said sadly.

“Oh…I’m so sorry, I did not intend-”

“Don’t worry about it,” I waved my hand dismissively. “You didn’t know so it’s fine. He said your name is Luna, right?”

“Indeed, my name is Luna, and you are?”

“John Doe, a pleasure to meet you,” I nodded.

“John Doe? That cannot be your real name, can it” Luna asked, unconvinced.

Is it gonna be like this with everyone I tell my fake name to?

“Yep, I’m afraid it is,” I chuckled. “I know what you’re thinking, why do I have a name that sounds like it’s used for those who can’t be ID’d? Well I’ve got my old man to thank for that. But I promise you that it’s my real name.”

“I see, well then I suppose it is also a pleasure to meet you as well,” Luna said with a curt nod.

“So what brings you to this fine establishment in the middle of the night?” I asked sarcastically.

“Oh I always like to sneak over to Mr. Billy Bob’s for a little snack,” Luna giggled. “My older sister would disagree, but I always found these fast food restaurants to be quite tasty.”

“You have a sister?” I asked and she nodded. “Huh, wouldn’t have pegged you to have a sibling, considering how easy on the eyes you are.”

“Why thank you, Mr. Doe,” Luna said with a small blush. “You do not look so bad yourself.”

“Thanks, I guess I would be thankful that I didn’t end up looking like my old man,” I joked, earning another giggle from Luna.

“Order up, kid!” Billy Bob called out as he plopped a small brown bag with a few grease stains. I saw him reach into his pocket to fish out the change he owed me but I waved my hand at him.

“Keep the change, big guy,” I insisted as I grabbed my meal.

“Really?”

“Yeah, and consider it a tip,” I added.

“Ha! Well thanks a lot, kid! I like you already!” Billy Bob laughed as he went back to clean his grill.

“Well it was nice talking with you, Luna, I gotta get home now to rest for my job interview,” I said.

“You as well, Mr. Doe, and I wish you luckon your job interview,” Luna said as we both waved and I walked away.

I reached into the bag and pulled out a couple fries and ate them. I guess I see why Luna likes going to that place so much, Billy Bob knows how to make his fires and I can only imagine what the burger tastes like. Though as I walked back to my apartment, I heard more tire screeching and even some sirens in the distance. I knew those sounds all too well, I guess even this city has its fair share of street racers. But I wouldn’t dwell on that anymore. I’m now a retired street racer on the lam. I can only hope I can stay out of trouble and out of Cross’ radar until I’m in the clear.

Author's Note

John’s arrival was easy, but will his stay be the same?

Hope you enjoyed!

~WurkyWilk has left the building…