The Rise

Leon got into his newly gifted car taking a deep breath before starting it up with a press of a button. On his way to meet Veronica at Humming's, Leon played classical music. He silently allowed the ecstasy of the music to clear his mind - forgetting about his father, George and Veronica. The car was jet black, thick and wide, all its windows were tinted and probably bulletproof. The interior was a first class plane ticket with accessories and buttons that would take Leon months to master. He drove slowly and cautiously.

Before he realized, he had already reached Humming's and noticed a car parked on the other side of the road that looked similar to the one he was in. Veronica must be in that car. Leon sunk his head into his seat as he realizes her driver, maybe even her brother is in with her.

'Was this all a trick, maybe a test?' he worried

He raised his head up remembering his windows are tinted. A young girl with long silky caramel hair, green eyes, thick black eyebrows and a single dimple on her left cheek came out of the car – it was Veronica. She was wearing school uniform with a gray skirt on top of her black leggings as well as a loosely wrapped velvet scarf. She looked either side of the road before crossing and made her way to Leon's car. She opened the door and slid into the passenger seat closing the door as her hair swung in Leon's direction.

"You came" she said with a smile

"Your driver is here, is this how you got that other kid in trouble and sent to the ambulance?"

"You think I'm a monster, don't you?" she said as she sighed. "I don't tell Justin or my parents anything. Mark was just stupid enough to ask me out in front of everyone – maybe he didn't know or maybe he was trying to be courageous." She puts her hand on Leon's shoulder "and don't worry, Alan doesn't talk"

"Alan?" Leon looks at Veronica's car "your driver?"

"Yup"

"Did you like Mark? We've always just referred to him as 'the guy who asked you out', but you called him by his name."

She shook her head.

"Does it suck?" said Leon

"I don't know, does it suck Leon?" she said giggling "You haven't dated anyone either"

She frowned at Leon's immediate silence and straight face. She folded her arms "Well if you did, you definitely didn't tell Justin about her – he always talks about you."

"Since you're here and your driver doesn't talk – I'm assuming the 'v.i.r.g.i.n' Tundra girl has definitely had boyfriends." Said Leon

"Secret relationsh.i.p.s are way too much effort. Besides, I've already set my eyes on someone – no one has yet been able to compete." She said looking out the car window

"Veronica. What's going on?" Said Leon

"What? Can't childhood friends hang out every once in a while?" she replied

Leon unlocked the doors, looked straight ahead and changed the gear to drive.

"Okay, okay." She said as she returned the gear to park and locked the doors. She pulled her hair behind her ear with her bright red nails. "I'm sorry… about your father. I wanted to make sure everything was okay."

"You called me out here to meet in secret for moral support?" said Leon

"Everyone in school is a back-biting two faced bug. Your father is on the front page of every tabloid and newspaper – heck there's even pictures of you. I can't imagine what it feels like – but I need you to know, I'm on your side."

Leon paused and looked down at his feet. "Well, thanks. If that's all, I think I should leave now."

Veronica clenched her fists and held her scarf onto her c.h.e.s.t. "Why… why are you being so cold…"

"I can't do this to Justin, not behind his back." Said Leon

"If that's how you feel, then this isn't going to work out after all." Veronica unlocked the door and slowly began to leave the car. Leon grabs her arm before she gets out and pauses.

"You came all the way here right up to my home, you might as well come in" Said Leon.

"What about my brother?"

"I'll tell him everything tomorrow." Said Leon

"You'll be in a lot more trouble than me" she said getting back into the car

"I've seen enough guys ask you out to know how this ends."