I rode through downtown New York, made my way to central park, then through some parts I do not know very well. I change my route every so often so i can find new places. My breath is heavy and my legs are hurting but this feeling is too good to waste. I pedal harder and faster as I lose track of time. I stopped at a bridge and checked my mileage and time. 20 miles/ 1.5 hours. I pulled off to take a view of where I was. Breathtaking. The bridge sat over a small creek, and the trees were different shades of green with the change of seasons. It is beautiful. The views outside of the city were always my favorite. I decided to snap a few pictures to keep. Then an idea came to mind.

I turned and took a selfie with my middle finger in the air, tongue sticking out, and the beautiful view in the background. I liked the photo, so I sent it to Zaih.

Me: Image attached. Did 20 miles fucker! Check out this view!

Ziah: Damn! The view is stunning. The creek is pretty too.

Ziah: Wait, are you flicking me the bird? Prick

Me: I guess you like calling me that. Since you’ve called me that since we first met.

I stood gazing out at the view. I heard my phone go off and smiled. This fucker sent me a photo as well. 

This douche is shirtless, grinning as the stove behind him is covered in foam. His blonde hair is messy and down as his brown eyes and mouth are smiling big. I laugh but something catches my eyes. Is that...A fire extinguisher?

The fuck?

I called him.

“Hello?”

“You fucking dumb ass! Did you just use your only fire extinguisher to do this photo?”

He was silent. “How the fuck did you know?”

“That my partner is a dumbass? I've known for a long time, babe. Damn, now what if you actually needed it later tonight?”

He laughed. “Yeah I did not think that through. And now I have to clean it up and get another extinguisher too.”

I rolled my eyes and gazed back out to the view. I smiled. “Get that shit cleaned up dumbass. Oh and by the way, this is my new background photo. ”

“And yours is your contact photo. Ride safe Babe. Keep me updated and text me when you get home.”

“No problem.”

I hung up, changed my background photo to his photo and snorted. The fucker probably thought it was a joke. I'll keep it for a few days to taunt him. I pocketed my phone and took off back home. It's the little things. Making sure I get home safe. Things like that that make me feel important.

With Natalie she never really checked in. She called every few days when she was out of town. I wonder if shit like that fades with time. Shit Zaire! No time to be down! This bike rode has been amazing.

The ride back was just as peaceful. I took my time, stopping and snapping photos of different places and sending them to Joziah. He never texted back but I didn't expect him too. Things were calm... until buildings came into view and I about got knocked off my bike by idiotic people. I pulled up to my apartment and climbed the steps, barely making it into my apartment before dropping my bike and falling to my bed.