Blue Ridge: A New Home

By James Jackson

After the death of his father, a sixteen year old teen goes to live with his estranged Grandmother in his father’s hometown of Blue Ridge, Georgia. When the teen feels like his life took a turn for the worst, the other teens of the small town show him a new way of living through one of his passions of American Muscle cars. Through two former racers of the town five local teenagers and the new kid engage in a live circuit of street racing in the middle of the night while their parents are sleeping. In addition to the new kid, the local teens all come with a story whether its child abandonment, Newly found sexuality, toxic relationships, overcoming adversity, money and sex. Will these teens be able to keep the secret of illegal racing from their parents or will their new adventure cost the expense of their own lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Sep 17, 2021
• ISBN: 9781665538213

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© 2021 James Jackson. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 09/15/2021

ISBN: 978-1-6655-3822-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-3821-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021918990

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 Welcome Home

Chapter 2 Making New Friends

Chapter 3 A New Made Move

Chapter 4 Imagine My Surprise

Chapter 5 Choices Made

Chapter 6 Naughty Girl

Chapter 7 No Car Left Behind

Chapter 8 When One Ends, A

New One Begins

Chapter 9 Running The Crew

Chapter 10 The Race That Changes

Chapter 11 No Less Guilty

Chapter 12 When One Meets Another

Chapter 13 Too Little, Too Late

Chapter 14 Race Relay

Chapter 15 Running To Victory

Chapter 16 Runs With Emotion

Chapter 17 Many Truths Revealed

Chapter 18 What Life May Be

Chapter 19 In The Same Common

Chapter 20 The Break We All Needed

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CHAPTER 1

WELCOME HOME

My name is Tyler Hansen. I go by the nickname Ty. I remember being a little boy, maybe about ten years old, watching the movie Gone in 60 Seconds with my father. It was his favorite.

Come here, Ty. I want to show you something, my father said. I jumped onto his lap. See that car? he asked.

Yeah, I said with a big smile.

That’s a ’67 Shelby GT500, a Mustang. It’s the most precious car in all the world, the heart of American muscle. When you’re sixteen years old, I’m going to buy that car for you. My father kissed me on the head and held me in his lap.

I watched the car in action in the movie and thought, Yes, that is the car I want to drive when I turn sixteen.

Back to the present time, today was that day, December 4. I was officially sixteen years old. How fitting that today was a Friday. My dad allowed me to take the day off school so I could take my official behind-the-wheel test. I looked in the mirror as I brushed my teeth to make sure they were bright for my driver’s license picture.

Ty, you’re going to miss your appointment, said Dad.

I’m coming Dad, I said as I looked at my shirt and second-guessed myself.

I quickly took off the shirt and put on a black T-shirt that made me look cool. I walked downstairs. My dad, Bradley Hansen, a successful boat broker and commercial real estate agent, was drinking his coffee while on the phone with his assistant.

After the test, I looked over as my dad waited patiently. I gave him two thumbs up. I had passed my behind-the-wheel test, which meant I would get my driver’s license.

I got it, Dad, I said as I hugged him.

I’m so proud of you, said Dad.

Guess I’m driving home? I asked.

Yes, you are. I have a surprise waiting for you when you get back.

I didn’t know what my dad was talking about, but I couldn’t wait to get home.

We pulled into the parking lot. He reached for the garage remote.

You don’t want to park the car in the garage? I asked.

There isn’t any room, said Dad.

My dad got out of the car. I was really confused; not knowing what he was doing had caused me to become concerned and also excited. I got out of the car. My dad turned me away from the garage just as I heard the garage door open.

No, no, not yet, said Dad.

I couldn’t contain my excitement as I knew that my car was in there. I knew my dad wasn’t going to disappoint me.

Come on Dad. What is it? I asked.

A Toyota Tercel, he said, chuckling.

Oh, come on, I said, also chuckling.

Okay, okay, turn around, he said.

I turned around and was immediately stunned. Dad, it’s the one I wanted, I said, hugging him tight.

My dad had bought me the 1967 GT500, although this one was green. I still loved the color, but I didn’t want to call the car Eleanor like the one in the movie.

I can’t believe it. Thank you so much, I said, still at a loss for words.

You’re my son. You owe me a ride, he said. We both got in the car.

I started up the car and discovered it had a beast of an engine. It was at that moment that I knew I wanted to name my car Beast. I looked over at my dad, who had a smile on his face.

I know that look. What did you name the car? he asked.

Beast.

Beast? Come on. Eleanor is the given name.

No Dad, this car’s name is Beast, I said.

My dad nodded as he gave in on the name. Are you ready to drive off? he asked.

I put the car in gear and drove out of the driveway. Beginning to drive down the highway, I was very excited. I felt free driving this car.

I began driving through the mountains. As the lanes turned from double to single, I started driving faster. I looked over at my dad, who was holding onto the ceiling handle. Ty, you want to slow down a bit? he asked.

Since when do you get all soft on me?

Since I became your father. Now slow down.

I slowed down as I approached a semi that was slowing down. Then I sped up. My dad, after telling me again to slow down, grabbed the wheel, causing the car to swerve. We hit an oncoming car, which caused my car to flip over.

After the impact, I froze, unable to believe what had happened. Ty, are you okay? asked my dad.

Yeah, I’m fine, I said.

My leg is stuck, my dad said. I looked over at him as he struggled with his leg. I need you to get out of the car and call for help, he said.

I took off my seat belt, seeing my car smoking. Oh God, I said.

Ty, just call for help! Dad yelled.

The moment I got my phone out and made the call, I heard a huge boom as another car hit my car, which caused a huge fire. I heard my dad scream as the car exploded and then erupted into flames.

I lost my best friend that day, and I blamed myself for it.

A month later, I was in the car heading to Blue Ridge, Georgia, my father’s hometown. My dad’s attorney, Margaret Shaw, had offered to take me to my grandmother’s house—a grandmother I never knew I had. The car ride was very quiet. The only thing I had done since we landed in Atlanta was look at my driver’s license.

We’re here. Blue Ridge, Georgia. Population one thousand four hundred forty-four, Margaret said. I leaned my head back.

It’s worse than I thought, I said.

It seems like a nice town, said Margaret.

My dad never brought me here. This place was always just in a picture in the living room, I said.

When I spoke to your grandmother, she seemed very excited to see you, said Margaret.

What’s she like? I asked.

Your dad never talked about her? asked Margaret.

No. Just like this town, she was only a picture in the center of our living room, I said.

Well, she was very nice over the phone. I can tell she is very religious and old southern, said Margaret.

Oh, that’s just swell, I said.

Margaret rubbed my shoulder. It’ll get better, she said.

We pulled into my grandmother’s driveway.

I got out of the car as Margaret opened the trunk. I heard the front screen door open. I looked over and saw a chipper old woman walking toward us.

Oh, Tyler, welcome home, dear, said my grandmother.

Hi, Grandma, I said. We hugged.

My grandmother’s name was Mary Jo Hansen. My grandmother seemed very nice and loving. I couldn’t imagine why Dad never had mentioned her to me.

Go ahead and grab your things. This is home, said Mary Jo.

I grabbed my two suitcases and my box. I and walked into the house. Grandma took Margaret into the living room as I set my stuff down and looked to see that my grandmother’s backyard led out to a lake. I opened the back door and stepped out onto the porch. The scenery was very beautiful

I looked to my left and saw a girl playing the guitar. She had long and curly light brown hair and was very pretty. She looked over at me and waved. I waved back and smiled as my grandmother opened the door.

Tyler, Miss Margaret is going to be leaving soon. She would like to talk to you about your father’s estate, my grandmother said.

I walked inside and joined Margaret at the table. My grandmother was signing my legal guardian paperwork.

Well, Ty, Margaret said, these conversations are never easy. You’re sixteen years old, and as you know, your grandmother is your legal guardian and will have access to your trust fund until you are eighteen. The house will be sold, and the proceeds will be rolled over into a trust for you. You can use the trust for anything you would like: college, travel, and so forth. The insurance company is in the process of locating another Mustang like yours. Hopefully it will arrive soon. Any questions?

No, I said.

Well, you have my number if you need anything. Take care, Margaret said, standing up.

Tyler, why don’t you put your things in your bedroom? It’s upstairs, second door on the right. Miss Margaret, I’ll walk you out, Grandma said. She walked Margaret out.

I walked into my bedroom and looked around the room that used to belong to my dad. Seeing a picture of him, I sat on the bed looking at it.

There was a knock on the door. I saw my grandmother standing there.

It doesn’t look like you’re settling in, she said.

I stood up and grabbed my suitcase. Sorry.

I’m so happy to have you here.

I wish I could say the same, I said.

My grandmother smirked. Apparently what I’d just said hadn’t come out right and was really rude. I’m sorry, Grandma, I said.

You look like you could use some fresh air. There’s some money and a grocery list on the kitchen counter. Do me a blessing, child, and run a little errand for me, she said.

I drove into town, which was smaller than it had looked driving in. I pulled up in front of the Blue Ridge Market, got out of the car, and walked in. The market was empty. I saw a girl who appeared to be my age; she was short and had long brown hair. She looked at me and smiled.

Well, you’re definitely not from around here, she said—clearly a clerk.

It’s that obvious? I said.

Very much so. I’m Lilly, she said.

Tyler. Well, Ty, I said.

Well, Ty, can I help you find anything? she asked.

This whole list, I said, handing her the list.

Lilly gathered all the items and took them to her checkout counter. After she had rung up the items, I paid her the money.

Well, I’m sure I’ll see you around, she said.

I smiled at Lilly as I walked out of the store.

I was sitting across from my grandmother at the dinner table. It was very quiet and awkward. When my grandmother made eye contact, I would quickly put my head down.

So, Tyler, tell me about yourself, she said.

What do you want to know? I asked.

We can start with the basics. What is your favorite color? What is your favorite food? she asked.

Sushi, and red, I said in a shallow tone.

Tyler, I know this isn’t ideal, said Mary Jo.

It’s not. I don’t know you. Dad never mentioned you to me. Why did he keep this part of his life a secret? I asked.

When your mother died, your father blamed the hospital for not doing all they could to save her, so he took you and your brother. He never looked back, she said.

This is all too much for me, I said, attempting to stand up.

Ask if you can be excused, Mary Jo said.

What? I asked.

I’m the adult, you are the child, and we’re in my house, Mary Jo said.

Fine. May I be excused? I asked.

My grandmother paused for a moment, looking at me with that same smirk. Excused, she said.

I walked back to my room just as I heard a loud muscle car pull up somewhere in the neighborhood. I looked out the window and saw the girl from next door getting into the car. The car was really nice, a fire-red Dodge Charger. I was very impressed to see it. It made me miss my car. I went to my bed to look at the picture of my dad and me. I began to tear up, missing him a lot.

Why did you leave me in this place? I asked as I placed the picture back in its spot. Then I went to sleep.

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CHAPTER 2

MAKING NEW FRIENDS

Ty

I woke up to car backfiring and to a lot of yelling coming from the house next door. I looked out my window and saw the girl from next door with some guy. They were trying to start a 1977 Chevy K10. I shook my head and chuckled. The guy was under the hood.

Joey, come on, we’re going to be late for school, said the girl.

Try it again, Joey said.

I saw my grandmother coming up from behind me. She also looked out the window. Good morning, she said.

Morning, Grandma. What’s going on here? I asked.

That’s Joseph and Clover Fields. They’re twins. This happens at least once a month. You’ll get used to it. She walked out of the room.

I finished getting dressed and walked into the kitchen. Today was my first day at my new school. I was nervous. Being from California, I felt as if I’d seen it all.

My grandmother was putting my lunch in a brown paper bag and looked over at me. Oh, Tyler, I packed you a lunch and made you a breakfast scramble. The school bus stops at the corner of the street. It’ll be in here ten minutes. She gave me a kiss. Have a great day at school, she said.

I walked outside, where I saw Joey and Clover still trying to start the truck. I walked over. Joey froze when he saw me.

How’s it going? I asked.

It’s an old truck—needs a tune-up, said Joey.

Nice. I’m Ty, I said, extending my hand.

I’m Joey. My sister, Clover, is in the truck, Joey said. I waved at Clover.

Clover smiled, seeming to be nervous, as she waved back. I looked back at Joey, who seemed mesmerized by me.

Mind if I take a look? I asked.

No, go for it, said Joey.

I stuck my head in under the hood and began tightening screws and clamps. I looked up to see Clover giving me the same mesmerized look Joey had given me. I looked over at her, taking my hands from the engine compartment and giving her a signal to start the car. She turned the key in the ignition. The car started right up.

Wow, thanks, said Joey.

Anytime, I said as I began to walk away.

Hey, do you need a ride? Joey asked.

Sure, I said. Joey and I got in the truck. We drove through town. Clover initiated the conversation.

So, where can we drop you off? she asked.

Blue Ridge High School, I answered.

That’s where we’re heading, said Joey.

Cool, I said.

Where are you from, Ty? Clover asked.

Beverly Hills, California, I said.

What brings you to Blue Ridge? she asked.

My dad died, and my grandmother is the only family I have besides my brother Jack, who’s nineteen, I said.

I’m sorry for your loss, Joey said.

Thanks, I said.

We pulled up to Blue Ridge High School and all got out of the car. Joey walked me into the school.

Clover

I’m Clover Fields. Living in Blue Ridge, Georgia, I felt that there was more to life than I could find here. I’d always had this feeling that I didn’t belong here, and as I’d gotten older, that feeling had grown stronger.

I put my keys in my purse as my best friend Judy Spears locked arms with me. Judy was Blue Ridge’s it-girl, a short, feisty brunette with great style.

Hey, who is the hot guy who’s walking with your brother? asked Judy.

His name is Ty. He’s Mrs. Hansen’s grandson, I said.

Wow, evil Mother Teresa has a grandson that hot? I’m coming over today, Judy said.

Okay, I’ll see you at lunch, I said.

Judy and I gave each other the smooch face before she walked off and I went to my locker. I opened my locker to grab my chemistry book, then closed the door to find that my boyfriend Tommy Ray McCoy was standing behind it.

Hey, baby, I said. We kissed.

Last night was amazing, said Tommy Ray.

It was, I said. We continued to kiss.

Can we repeat it again tonight? asked Tommy Ray.

No. My mom will be home tonight, I said.

Damn. Well, I have to get to class. I’ll see you at lunch, Tommy Ray said. We kissed goodbye.

I pulled out my notepad to finish writing some songs I’d been working on.

Ty

I got my class schedule. My first period class was meeting in the student center. I walked in and saw a girl sitting, doing her homework.

Excuse me. Is this the student center? I asked. Once the girl looked up, I saw it was Lilly.

Well, hello again, she said.

Hi, I said, smiling.

This is the student center, and I’m your welcoming committee, said Lilly.

Thank you. And what is this period? I asked.

This period is kind of a support for you as you’re a new student. You can do your homework during this period. I can give you tutoring or assistance with assignments—anything you need in the name of education, Lilly said.

Okay, I said, sitting down across from her.

May I see your schedule? she asked.

Sure, I said, handing it to her.

Lilly looked at my schedule, comparing it to hers. Oh, we have the same English class, she said.

It’s my favorite subject, I said.

Lilly looked up at me and smiled. Are you usually this charismatic? she asked.

One of my many charms, I said. The bell rang for the next period.

My first day at Blue Ridge High School was going well. Once again, this town was surprising me in that I was finding it to be not so bad.

It was lunchtime. I sat at a bench and pulled out my tuna sandwich and potato chips. Joey walked up to me.

Can I join you? he asked.

Sure, have a seat, I said. Joey sat down and pulled out his sandwich.

What do you have there? I asked.

Meat loaf. What about you? Joey asked.

Tuna. I’m not a big fan of it, I said.

Hey, I’ll trade you. I love your grandmother’s tuna, Joey said. We traded sandwiches. How’s your first day going? he asked.

Pretty good actually, I said.

Nice. I know that we’re a little different from people in California, but we’re all nice, Joey said.

I nodded my head. Joey and I continued to enjoy our lunch. As we conversed, it allowed me to get to know him a little bit better. He came off as a very sweet guy. I knew that he’d be the type of good friend I needed around here.

After lunch, I had my English class, which Joey, Lilly, and Clover were also part of, which was nice. Having everyone I knew in a new class made is less awkward when it came to introducing myself to others.

Joey and I sat in the far back, with Joey sitting in front of Clover and with me sitting behind Lilly. I heard a piece of paper drop on the floor. When I picked it up, I noticed it had my name on it. It was folded in half. I opened it, to find that it read, Hey, new guy, welcome to our town. If you’re confused about who wrote this, it’s the brunette right behind you. I closed the note and turned around to see Judy smiling at me. I smiled back at her as our teacher Mrs. Olsen walked in.

Good afternoon, class. I have been informed that we have a new student joining us. He comes all the way from California. Please welcome Tyler Hansen, Mrs. Olsen said.

Thank you, I said.

The class clapped for me. Mrs. Olsen resumed teaching class.

Clover

After school, I walked up to my truck. Tommy Ray was sitting on the hood of his car, talking with his friends Bud and Puck. I walked over. Tommy Ray kissed me.

Hey, Clo, said Puck.

Hey, Puck. Hey, Bud, I said.

Hey, Clover, how about hooking me up with Judy? asked Bud.

I tried, Bud. You’re not her type, I said.

Woodrow Bud Williams and Peter Puck Swanson made up the complete balance of Tommy Ray. Bud was the arrogant, abrasive one, and Puck was the shy, quiet one. Tommy Ray leading them made the three of them the Three Stooges.

Who’s that guy with your brother? asked Puck.

That’s Ty. He’s Mrs. Hansen’s grandson, I said as they all walked over.

Hey, guys, Joey said, going to give a handshake each to Tommy Ray, Bud, and Puck.

This is Ty. Ty, this is Clover’s boyfriend Tommy Ray, and our friends Puck and Bud, Joey said.

Nice to meet you all. Those are some sweet rides, Ty said.

Ever drive American muscle before, Ty? asked Tommy Ray.

Yeah, I have a ’67 Shelby GT500, Ty said.

Nice. Where’s it at? Bud asked.

Well, I kind of wrecked it and totaled it, Ty said.

The other guys laughed. I could tell it made Ty very uncomfortable. I hit Tommy Ray on the chest.

Be nice, I said.

I’m just kidding, man. But for what’s it worth, we all work at Ernie’s Garage. We can fix it up for you, Tommy Ray said.

Bud continued to chuckle.

Shut up, Bud, Tommy Ray