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[Saturday, 20th/July/2019, Rex Home, 13:23]
Rakim gripped the leather steering wheel of his birthday present, a mint-green 2019 BMW i8 roadster. The engine purred beneath him as they cruised along the sun-drenched streets of Orlando, heading towards Miami. The thrill of the open road, the warm wind whipping past, and the smooth, powerful hum of the hybrid engine brought an excited smile to his face.
"So," his dad began breaking the silence, "how does she handle herself? I test-drove it after it was shipped from the factory in South Carolina but if you want to change anything we can do so,"
Rakim kept his hands relaxed on the wheel, feeling the i8's responsive steering and smooth handling as he navigated around a gentle curve. He glanced at his dad, whose gaze was steady, watching him closely probably regretting some of the car knowledge he had taught his son. In hindsight, it probably wasn't a good idea to teach a 15-year-old how to power slide and drift around corners.
If not for the fact his son was way too busy and dedicated to his career, he would probably regret getting him this car for his sweet 16. "No, she handles like a dream," Rakim replied, with a wide grin as he accelerated onto the motorway. "I barely have to think about it, and she knows what I want to do. I will have to add some LED lights and a darker shade of green for sure,"
Ben chuckled, shaking his head. "haha I figured as much, you can talk to your uncle Joe, he can put you in touch with a good Custom shop, as long as you don't go tunning it out and it's purely aesthetic changes we won't have a problem. That means no going and adding a Nasca engine in this."
"haha don't worry I don't see the appeal in sitting behind the wheel trying to be the next Paul Walker, and racing just isn't for me. Just not my kind of adrenaline plus how would you know if they changed anything?" Rakim responded taking a moment to settle into a steady speed on the far right shoulder. He received a few looks from other people on the road causing him to feel a content smile at the freedom that came with owning your own car.
"Hahah trust me I'd know," His dad responded narrowing his eyes causing him to feel as if the atmosphere suddenly shifted just for that one moment. "Plus, your uncle Joe has people sweep the cars for any damage or sabotage once a month and every now and then."
Rakim raised an eyebrow at his father's words. "Sabotage? Who's trying to mess with us, Dad? Feels a bit... overkill to sweep for that."
His father nonchalantly leaned back in the passenger seat, his posture relaxed, but his eyes carried a hint of something deeper—concern, maybe. "You'd be surprised, son. In our world, it's better to be cautious than regretful. You're in the spotlight now, and People don't just see a talented kid anymore; they see a brand, an opportunity... or a threat."
"Haha, I didn't think buying a car came with a security briefing." he joked trying to lighten the mood as he and Emma had received different versions of such talks over the years. When they got older and gained more freedom their security protocol also intensified requiring them to make certain judgement calls.
"It's the price my family has to pay for the life that I want to provide for them, just like you have to deal with the fact you're a certain kind of celebrity the moment you decide to become a professional footballer," his weather said with a reassured smile letting his son know that it was set in stone and wouldn't change.
"Now take the next exit or you will be late for your surprise party," he stated before pulling out a pair of sunglasses and popping on song from his phone which was connected to the car. A few moments later Green I8 cursed off the motorway heading back out of the city centre as the roof quickly opened up, folding back allowing the sun's rays to drizzle down on them. In the next moment, Rakim also donned a pair of shades as the speakers sprang to life with Jay-Z's Iconic voice.
[Turn my vocal up some more
Turn my vocal up, Guru
Turn the music up tooSuper Bowl goals
My wife in the crib feedin' the kids liquid gold
We are in a whole different mode
Kid that used to pitch bricks can't be pigeonholed
I cooked up more chicken when the kitchen closed
Oh, we gon' reach a billi' first]
[Saturday, 20th/July/2019, Rex Home, 16:00]
The Rex backyard buzzed with life as the warm Florida sun dipped lower into the horizon, casting a golden glow across the sprawling space. The infinity pool shimmered, reflecting the vibrant hues of the sky, while laughter and the occasional splash echoed from the kids playing at its edge. The picnic area was alive with conversation, a long table decorated with emerald-green and gold accents.
Lisa Madeline Rex, the mother of Rakim was in full hostess mode doing her best to make sure the party was running smoothly. Dressed in a turquoise sundress that matched her striking eyes, floated between the groups, making sure they were enjoying themselves. She carried a pitcher of iced lemonade, her light blond hair glowing under the soft sunlight.
Her husband, Ben Michael Rex, towered over most of the guests dressed in casual polo and chinos, sharing a laugh with a group of men. They were discussing recent trade rumours regarding the Miami Dolphins hoping Superbowl football would once again return to Florida. Under the gazebo, Rakim leaned casually against a post, as he listened to May tell him about some online marketing course and seminars she had signed up for the coming summer.
He was dressed in a crisp white polo and tan chinos, looking every bit the professional he was with the only bit of jewellery being his watch and the GLD chain. He had decided to dress more formally due to the fact his family had made the trip from England. So, the least he could do was show an adequate amount of respect to them despite knowing they wouldn't care that much.
"As long as I complete most of my work, I'll be able to join you in Brazil." She started with an excited smile looking every bit as vibrant in her sundress which depicted delicate floral patterns. "Obviously you will be staying with the team, but surely you will have some free time we can spend together and maybe tour Rio de Janeiro"
Rakim smiled, his deep green eyes meeting May's. "Of course. you didn't get to go to Brazil with us last time so we should have some fun." Rakim responded also looking forward to spending as much time he could with her as possible. They were in the phase between talking and fully dating just needing that spark to label the relationship.
May's smile widened, but before she could respond, his phone sounded as the familiar apple ringtone rang out. "(Ding-ding-ding-ding, da-da-da-da-da-da, ding-ding-ding-ding, da-da-da-da-da-da), Sorry I have to take this," he told her excusing himself as he promptly pressed the accept button after noticing the saved number of Team USA. He had been expecting to receive a call from them sometime this month as they needed his commitment or that of the club he was about to join.
Rakim stepped away from May and walked a few paces toward the edge of the infinity pool, his heart pounding a little faster now. Despite not being born here he relished the chance to represent the country that gave him a second chance and he grew up in. He could choose one of his parent's countries but he didn't want to have to pick one over the other.
"Hello, this is Rakim," he said, keeping his voice calm, though he couldn't help the slight edge of excitement that slipped through. In his mind, he was already a lock as there was no other name in his age group that had accomplished what he had last season. However, he operated under a mentality that didn't allow him to count his chickens until they actually hatched.
"Rakim, it's Coach Garret I am the new interim head coach for Team USA under 17. How're you doing, kid?" The voice on the other end sounded young yet oddly familiar to him yet he couldn't quite place it. He sounded quite proud, reassured of his skills and the position he was in at least that's how it sounded to him.
"I'm good, Coach. Just enjoying a little time off with family. What's up?" he responded not really giving much weight to his thoughts, figuring it was just normal for men in positions of power where they could make or break young athlete careers. After all, representing your country in a major international tournament like the under 17-Wprldcup is a surefire way to catch the attention of scouts.
"Good to hear. I won't keep you too long, ___ I regret to inform you that we have chosen not to include you in our final list for the U-17 team going to Brazil for the upcoming World Cup."