Chapter 17- Whos Zainul now?

Today I was going to be a judge at the junior motorcycle race. It was the first of its kind. Zayd was to join us but he withdrew due to personal reasons. I grabbed a coffee on my way out and caught myself at the door trying to see straight. My exhaustion was starting to get to me. I didn't ride there because of my safety, so I booked a cab and sent out a text that I`d be there soon.

I arrived signed in and then proceeded to the front where I helped set up the documents. The competitors finalized their signatures then the event commenced. The prize money was at 100k, and they got to proceed to the finals, where they get to race with Zayd and I. But only 1 winner was to get this and the rest would gain a coach or apprenticeship.

All opponents set out, the crowds filling in gaps and the judges beside me speaking of their unique experiences on the track. The competition was a path paved for young bikers to race at a provincial level like Zayd and I…it was different for us though. We had to sneak our way in and once our feud began our ages were revealed.

"It's starting," my senior Adnan said, tapping my shoulder.

The Programme director announced the prizes, along with the contestants. All of them had experience within the field except for a boy named Zainul. It was his first race ever. Confused that he didn't even have the name of a coach engraved near his initials, I was confident that he had no chance against the rest.

My bet was on Mathews, who was a previous winner.

They began, and for the first round, everyone was closely tied to each other until Mathews took over, Zainul behind him, but as they reached the end of their lap Zaniuel took him taking the first win, and after that, it had been the same outcome for all the other rounds. My heart sank, how… and why was he very similar to me. He won and stated that he would like to keep his face from cameras. Then turned towards me and said, "I'm coming for you next…"

I smiled…wondering why this random stranger had the nerve to think that was a good thing to say to me. I presented him with a medal and took a picture with him. After the interview, I took the bus home. The radio had already gained coverage of his threat, and I was being talked about.

The television and media went on as well. People were sure that this new talent was up my league.

"Looks like I'm not the only one you have to worry about now," Zayd said, patting my back

"You do realize that you may be third if he gets 2nd or 1st."

"Doesn't bother me. I'm certainly not afraid of a newbie. You however look like you've seen a ghoul."

He ran of to Qadira who had just entered the hallway. I asked for an early leave and spent the entire afternoon riding on my way back to meet with Qadira. I didn't have the strength to say anything, so I walked past her. But then she pulled my arm fixing my collar for me before leaving again. My heart missed a beat at the gesture and raced as I watched her walk away. I must have been hallucinating, I really should take a nap. Why would my heart skip a beat for her of all people…

I slapped myself and proceeded to go home. I passed out on the couch, and my mother woke me the next day for school.

"It's about time you rested, "She said, placing a cup of tea on the coffee table, "You do to much for your age."

"You could have at least woken me to shower and change."

"It doesn't matter. You do however, have school in an hour so get ready."

She proceeded to prepare breakfast which I ate after freshening up. I felt a little better. Maybe I shouldn't push myself way beyond my body and its needs.

"Did you reply to any of the online controversies?"

"Not yet."

"Don't, we will deal with it. You concentrate on school ."

She scared me when she said stuff like that. Why was I to not worry about it? They always ended up making the best choice. However, I wish this time she'd make a choice for her son, not her client. I didn't need the pressure of the media. Qadira`s school was swallowing me alive. I was flooded with all the work and constantly had a test to prepare for. Now I know why she had come second to me all those years. I, however could not let myself waiver

I could not.

I had to many people relying on me. "Here," Layla said, handing me a coffee

"No, thank you, I already had one."

"Oh…"She replied a little disappointed. "Next time then."

I smiled leaving her to her little breakfast.

This new girl Erica really had a big mouth. I found her in class piping up the news of that Zaniul guy, and I wish at that moment I had been deaf.

"How have you still not responded!" she said, grabbing me by the neck, "People are starting to think that you're afraid."

"Get off me and settle down. I have to mark the register."

"Yes, boss man sir," she replied, slapping my back.

Loud and fierce. I tried to go on with my day as usual, but the mummers in between corners and all the stares got to me. I was wondering where my mother had disappeared to and why she was taking so long to deal with all the rising controversy.

"Are you doing well, Zain?

"We made you a few cards and got you a few presents.

"We`re huge fans and stand for you," they said, handing me a bunch of gift bags, "This is from the fan club...keep going!"

I took the presents signing a few posters for them before picking up my phone to call my mother...

My phone beeped…and lord alone knows that this woman…did not just.