Page 37 of Imbalanced Minds

Chapter Twenty

Cory

“Man, you are so whipped!” Justin laughs, as we sit at the bar nursing a cold beer.

“Shut ya face man, like you’re one to talk,” I counter right back.

We both sat in comfortable conversation after I spilled everything in relation to Iris and the problem I have with my temper. It’s not something I like talking about even after opening up to Iris but I admit, the more I open up the more content I am. I always thought keeping things to myself was easier—not making my problems anyone else’s.

“Bro, when did the world become so complicated. Life was easy before adulthood.” Jay says, obviously quite overwhelmed with our conversation and perhaps the recent events.

“That’s because we didn’t have all the responsibility. It was all parties and booze. I’d give anything to go back to not have the weight of the world on my shoulders.”

“Oh shit! I just had a thought. Seeing as it’s still early why don’t we finish up here and head to the farm? It’d be just like old times, and I’d get to beat your ass at something.” Justin’s eyes bug out of his head with excitement.

Luckily, we’ve only had one drink so we’re able to drive. I predict a bit of healthy competition coming on because damn, who doesn’t want to ride dirt bikes on a motocross track. I sure as hell would love to feel the thrill again.

“Sign me up.” I throw the dregs of my beer back, slam the bottle on the counter and stand. I’m ready for some adrenaline to pump through my veins.

Jay stands, giving me the most mischievous smirk. “Last one there gets the farm bike.” We both bolt out of the pub, no one wants to ride the old 4-stroke they have in the shed. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not the only one but it’s the oldest, hence why we call it the farm bike.

I’m hissin’ like an overheating Nissan as I scream down the road in my truck, pushing the town limits before we get to the open country road. I need to get the better bike if I have any chance at beating Justin around the track.

It’s on.

— Iris —

“Dad, thanks for hanging with us but you can go do whatever it was you were doing before we arrived.”

My dad always likes watching me ride, but with Nat here I don’t need him to. I’d also like the space.

I know after my accident he’s worried about me but like any parent, he worries too much. This is my normal with him, though I love him for caring.

I was becoming numb with being cooped up in my apartment and left to my own devices—despite the breakthrough I had with Cory—so after the doctor gave me the green light as long as I took it easy, I decided my parents’ farm was the best place for me to escape to. I figured I’d gear up, give it a go and if I was comfortable and the pain level was tolerable, I was all in.

It turns out bruised ribs heal better than I imagined, so unlike broken or fractured, my recovery time was much shorter. Initially, the doctors thought they were broken due to the black and blue bruising already formed on my abdomen, but it was just a hell of a beating. Thankfully, my broken nose healed well too along with my now scared wounds.

“Alright pumpkin, how about I keep an eye out from the shed so I’m not hovering. That way if something does happen then I’m close.”

“If something happens, which it won’t, Nat will be here too. She knows the drill, Dad. You know she is certified in First Aid, so I’m in good hands.”

“Alright, fine. I’m leaving.” He leans over and kisses my cheek.

“Love you,” I say, before he turns to leave.

“Love you too, sweetie.”

“Right girlfriend, you ready to make this track your bi-arch!” Nat says, way too enthusiastically.

“Balls to the wall?” I ask in terms of shall I go full throttle.

“You know it.”

Inhaling deeply, I put my helmet on ready to take Rick for the ride of his life. It’s just me, my bike and a whole lot of freedom. Just the way I like it.

— Cory —

I pull up to Mr. and Mrs. Jones’ house, only just beating Justin out here. As I hop out of my truck, I notice another familiar vehicle in the drive. I wait by the driver’s door as Jay pulls up beside me. I can’t help but pull a childish face at him for losing the race, knowing he has to ride the old farm bike.