A Victory, A Choice

"Simon, you're amazing!"

As Simon returned to the starting line as the winner, Meg screamed and leapt into his arms.

With her legs wrapped around his waist, Simon walked up to Dominic and his crew.

"Nice job, man," Dominic said, extending his fist.

"Thanks!" Simon bumped fists with Dominic.

"These are yours now, buddy." Hector handed Simon a plastic bag containing $10,000.

"Thanks!" Simon graciously took the bag, then handed it to Meg. "Hold this for me, babe."

"With pleasure!" Meg happily took the bag.

Looking around at the excited crowd, Simon reminded everyone, "It's getting late. We should head out."

To hold the race, Hector and the crew had blocked off a long stretch of road, and even if LAPD was busy, they'd likely notice something soon.

"Simon's right, we should get out of here," Dominic agreed.

"Okay, we'll follow your lead," Hector said with a nod.

Standing atop a pickup truck, Hector shouted, "Alright, everyone, the party's over. Time to head out."

Not caring about the others, Simon waved Dominic off, then carried Meg back to the car.

Sitting in the passenger seat, Meg was still buzzing with excitement from Simon's victory. "Simon, you're incredible! Tonight, I'm all yours."

After saying that, Meg didn't hesitate to straddle Simon and kissed him passionately.

When they pulled apart, Meg was breathing a little heavier.

"Well, if that's the case, let's head to the beach," Simon grinned as he adjusted the car and headed toward the coastline.

---

At Dawn

After a long night, Simon held Meg, who was now resting in his arms, her body completely bare. "Meg, what university are you thinking about going to?"

Simon was now in his last year of high school, and it was time to think about where he would go next.

This also meant that he and Meg might be facing separation.

Graduation season. The season of goodbyes. It wasn't just a saying.

Still caught up in the post-race euphoria, Meg froze when she heard the question.

Though the two had avoided the topic for a long time, it was a question that had to be answered eventually.

"I'm planning to go to Columbia. They have the best journalism program."

Meg had always been an excellent student, and was also the host for the school's news department, the lead actress in the drama club, and the cheerleading captain. Her dream was to become a news reporter or TV host. Moreover, her wealthy family made Columbia a natural choice.

But Simon wasn't in the same position. For him, a decent public university might be the limit. Money was a real obstacle.

"Listen, Simon. If you need it, I can have my parents fund your education," Meg said, lying on top of him, gazing into his eyes.

"Meg, you know I can't accept that," Simon murmured softly.

"Simon, just do it for me, please?" Meg's voice trembled slightly as she made the request.

"Let's not talk about it, Meg. Right now, we're good just as we are."

After hearing Simon's refusal, Meg kissed him again.

It wasn't until the morning that Simon finally drove Meg back home.

Only when he saw her climb the tree to get back into her room did Simon finally feel at ease and head home.

Once home, Simon immediately went to find Dominic.

"Dom, I want in. I need money, a lot of it!" Simon got straight to the point.

Dominic paused for a moment, then calmly replied, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Simon took out a newspaper he had bought earlier and placed it on the table, pointing to the headline. "Don't tell me this isn't your doing."

Seeing Dominic remain silent, Simon continued, "Don't play dumb. The only ones in this city with the skills to pull this off are you guys."

"And every time you guys go missing, the timing matches the incidents perfectly," Simon added, pressing his hands on the table, locking eyes with Dominic.

After a long silence, Dominic asked, "Who else knows about this?"

"Don't worry, you're my brother. I know what to say and what not to say," Simon reassured him with a confident look.

The word "brother" seemed to hit a nerve with Dominic. He spoke seriously, "Simon, this isn't the life for you. You should be going to university, joining the elite. Don't ruin your future over this."

"University requires money, and that's exactly what I'm short on right now. And even if I go to university, it doesn't guarantee success, does it?" Simon shot back.

"I can lend you money," Dominic offered directly.

Simon shook his head. "I owe you too much already. I don't want to keep being in debt to you."

"We're brothers," Dominic said again.

"Dom! If you truly think of me as a brother, then let me join you," Simon pressed.

Dominic hesitated but eventually relented. "I need to talk to Letty and the others first."

"Of course."

Once Dominic agreed to think it over, Simon didn't push any further.

"I'll go to school for now. Hope you all can give me an answer tonight," Simon said, heading home to change clothes.

He drove his car to the garage, swapped for a pickup, and then headed to school.

---

At School

"Over here, Simon," Meg called out as she walked toward him, holding a sandwich.

"I knew you'd be running late for breakfast, so I brought you something," Meg smiled, handing him the sandwich.

Simon leaned over, kissed her lightly, and said, "Thanks."

Without mentioning their earlier conversation in the car, both of them seemed to prefer enjoying the present.

"Simon, this car should be in a museum, not on the road. Are you sure it can outrun Mrs. Grelard's bike?"

The good times were inevitably interrupted.

Every school has that one troublemaker, and in Simon's case, it was Logan Ex.

"Nice one, Logan. But not funny at all," Simon replied indifferently.

Mrs. Grelard, the school janitor, was nearly 60 years old.

With a quick look at Simon and Meg, Logan wandered off to find his friends.

After spending some time with Meg, Simon and she separated when the bell rang for class.

Though it was technically school time, Simon was still half-dazed, mostly from the previous night's excitement.

By lunchtime, Simon finally started to feel more awake.

He found Meg, and together they made their way to the cafeteria.