nownovels Chapter 25: Purchasing First Vehicle
Chapter 25: Purchasing First Vehicle
Chapter 25 - Purchasing First VehicleThe neon lights of the city reflected off the wet pavement as Xavier and Oliver stood under the flickering street lamp. Oliver shifted uncomfortably, his expensive shoes already scuffed from their walk.
"How are we getting to Mira's?" Oliver asked, glancing around nervously.
Xavier considered. "We could take the bus or train."
Oliver shook his head immediately. "Can't make any transactions - Dad would see and know I snuck out. And even if we took the bus, we'd still have to walk thirty minutes from the last station. Her place is deep in the slums."
Xavier's eyes lit up. "Then we'll take a cab."
Oliver's face paled. "Too risky. Crime rates in the city double at night."
Xavier studied his friend - the designer clothes, the nervous energy. 'He always comes to school in that fancy van with bodyguards. And his father is a senator, so it's understandable that he can't be left unprotected.'
"How much would a private vehicle cost?" Xavier asked with a curious look on his face.
Oliver pulled out his phone, fingers flying over the screen. "Buying a car outright is expensive unless you do installments. What's your budget?"
Xavier didn't hesitate. "$10,000."
Oliver's thumbs moved swiftly as he
Xavier's lips curled into something that wasn't quite a smile. "I do."
Oliver watched, stunned, as Xavier transferred the funds. The bike's display flashed green in confirmation, the transaction complete. The seller handed over the helmet without a word.
The transaction was completed with a soft chime from the bike's systems. As the seller transferred the digital documents, his hands trembled slightly. Then, unexpectedly, he wrapped his arms around the bike's frame, pressing his forehead against the fuel tank.
Oliver watched, fascinated, as a single tear rolled down the seller's cheek, catching the neon light. "You really love this bike, huh?" he asked softly.
The seller's voice was thick. "Had to sell it. Urgent need for cash." He straightened, wiping his face with the back of his hand. Then he turned to Xavier, his cybernetic eye glowing faintly blue. "Take good care of her. She's... special."
Xavier nodded once. "Don't worry."
The seller took one last, long look at the bike. Then he turned and walked away, his boots crunching on the neon-lit pavement.
Xavier then handed the helmet to Oliver and said, "Let's go."
"Yeah... but why are you giving the helmet to me?" Oliver handed it back to Xavier.
"You are going to drive without a helmet?" Xavier asked with a surprised look on his face.
"Huh? Who said I am going to drive? I don't know how to drive a bike. You drive."
Xavier simply stared at Oliver's face in response.
"Wait..." Oliver raised his brow. "Don't tell me.... You... don't know how to drive either...?"
Xavier nodded in response.