Sunday, May 29, 2005

Zip Racer - Episode 4
Dax stood up and Kiki ran to embrace him, unable to contain herself any longer. He wrapped his arms tightly around her, kissing her forehead. “So you missed me then?” Kiki laughed, pulling away slightly to look at his face. “Maybe just a little.” He smiled and took her hand. “I see you’re still wearing the jacket.” She smiled back. “Are you kidding, I’ve barely taken it off for the last month!” She paused for a second. “Hang on, why are you back? Did you not make it to the leagues?” Dax stepped back and spread his arms proudly. “On the contrary. You are looking at the latest newcomer to the Zip Leagues.” Kiki’s smile grew even wider and she leapt towards him again. “You did it? You really did it?” Dax laughed, trying not to fall over. “Yes, I did it, and what’s more, the Leagues don’t start for another month, so I get to spend it here with you before we both head for the city.”
Kiki wrapped her arms around him as tightly as she could, words failing her. She hadn’t been this happy in weeks. After a while Dax spoke. “I don’t know about you, but I’m starved. What do you say we go get something to eat, maybe hook up with Nina and Jinx?” Kiki took his hand. “Let’s go.” Kiki was reminded to leave some food out for Rika when the little tabby began weaving in and out of their legs as they made for the door. With that done, they headed down the stairs and out onto the street. The sun was just above the horizon, ready to begin its decent. They moved through the crowds clogging the street and headed towards the track. Nina and Jinx were still sitting by the shed where Kiki had left them only minutes before.
“Guess who’s back.” She called as she approached them. They looked up and Jinx, spotting Dax, leapt up to greet him. “Hey bro, long time no see!!” Jinx and Dax were siblings by marriage. They’re parents had married the year before. Jinx had moved to Santa Liza with her dad a month before the wedding. Even though Jinx and Dax lived together, they rarely considered themselves that close. It was only when Dax went away that Jinx realized how much she missed having him around.
She gave him a playful punch on the arm as he reached her. “It took you long enough! We were beginning to wonder if you were coming back at all!” Dax put his arm around her in a half hug. “I see you’ve still got a mouth on you. Have mum and dad grounded you yet this week?” She hit him again, harder this time. They could often be seen trying to beat each other up. It was always hilarious to watch, as you wouldn’t think that Jinx would be strong enough to get Dax into a headlock. Just goes to show looks can be deceiving.
Nina stood and gave Dax a brief hug. “It’s good to have you back. We were afraid that this one was going to be moping around forever.” She pushed Kiki gently on the shoulder. “Well, it’s good to be back. There are a lot of things I missed about this place.” He took Kiki’s hand. Jinx rolled her eyes. “Hopeless romantics, the pair of you. No wonder you’re the perfect match.” The pair smiled, fully aware that she was absolutely right.
“Yo Dax, that you?” One of the mechanics was calling from across the yard. “Looks like the lads have spotted you.” Said Kiki. “Go on, we’ll meet you at Donna’s.” Dax gave her a brief kiss on the cheek and headed off to talk to his friends. The girls made for the café on the opposite side of the street. Donna Peters had been a legend in Santa Liza. She was the first female from the small town to make it to the pro leagues. She was killed when the safety straps on her board snapped and she fell onto a rocky slope in the last lap of the league finals. Many people claimed it was sabotage, but it had never been proven. So idolized was Donna Peters that her daughter, Ellie, decided to set up a café in her home town in her honour. Because of its close proximity to the track, it was the girls’ favourite place to eat.
They slid into their usual booth by the window to wait for Dax. Nina and Jinx had noticed that Kiki’s smile had become rather fixed. “Careful your mouth doesn’t get stuck that way, K.” Sniggered Nina. They laughed. “I know, I’ve gone completely soppy, I’m sorry. But I’m just so happy to have him back.” Jinx sighed. “Ah, young love.” Kiki kicked her under the table. A few minutes later, Dax slid into the booth beside Kiki. “The guys say hi.” He said. “Oh and Nina, Wes asked me to give you this.” He slid a piece of paper across the table with what looked like a phone number written on it. “Looks like we’re all getting lucky today.” Smirked Kiki. Nina folded up the piece of paper and put it in the pocket of her jeans, looking very pleased with herself. Dax caught the arm of a passing waitress. “Hi, could we have four burgers and four cokes when you’re ready please.” He added his best sweet smile just to be sure. The girl blushed slightly and hurried off to the kitchen. Now it was his turn to be kicked. “Ow! What was that for?” The girls laughed. “And I thought you were a bad flirt before you had a girlfriend.” Dax rubbed his leg. “Just trying to be friendly.” Jinx snorted. “Dax, you get any more ‘friendly’ and Kiki’s going to deck you. That is, unless I get there first.” He just laughed and put his arm around Kiki. “Are you guys ever gonna give me a break?” Nina giggled. “Oh, don’t be such a wuss.”

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