Chapter 5 A festival to remember.

“But you said you didn't tell him.”

“Well, I didn't. But he's been making findings about a hidden identity since yesterday,” Andrew said with a shrug.

Emma's hand tightened around her phone.

“But he might not be the one, ” Andrew said.

“I hope so.”

“Let me know if you hear anything.”

“Yes, ma'am.”

The black Jeep pulled to a stop at the bus stop.

Emma got out and opened the boot, then dragged her suitcase onto the pavement. Andrew moved to help her, but she stopped him.

“No, don't worry. I've got it.”

Andrew nodded and got back into the Jeep.

Emma watched the Jeep pull away before turning toward the road ahead. She dragged her suitcase across the road and made her way into the small town of Los Feliz.

The small town was still the way it had been years ago, except that now, it looked smaller. She made her way along the narrow path leading to her grandmother's house.

Mrs. Gina sat on a chair outside her house on the veranda, looking down the street. She had been expecting Emma for some time.

She had walked down the street several times before returning to sit down. Looking down the street again, she saw Emma walking along the narrow path, dragging her suitcase behind her.

She stood up and made her way towards Emma.

Emma's face lit up when she saw Grandma. She dropped the suitcase and jumped into her arms.

Mrs. Gina hugged her tightly. For a moment, the noise faded. She felt relieved once again. The embrace felt like her mum was hugging her again.

“I have been expecting you,” Grandma said.

“I missed you so much, Granny. It's been years.”

Her face looked more sunken than before. She had aged quite well. Her long grey hair cascaded over her shoulders. Emma couldn't get enough of the old woman's beauty. Cupping her face in her hands, Emma said,

“Grandma, you look good regardless of age.”

Grandma chuckled.

“Don't worry. I will show you my secret. Come inside.”

She was about to pull her suitcase when a thin, tall, tan girl about her age came grinning towards her. Before she even knew what was happening, she was wrapped in a hug. The girl hugged her like they were old friends. Emma felt quite amused by the brazen girl.

“Sorry,” she laughed, pulling back.

“Your grandma has told everyone in town you were coming. I'm Nora.” She stretched her hand forward for a proper handshake.

“Emma,” Emma replied, shaking her hand.

“I know.” She grinned.

“Granny, why don't I take Emma to the festival so she wouldn't miss it?” Nora said with a pout.

Festival, Emma thought. A festival in this quiet town?

When she had entered the town earlier, everywhere had been quiet. People weren't moving around like in Los Angeles. That's always busy with traffic.

“No problem, but make sure she's safe,” Grandma said.

Obviously, she trusted Nora.

“No, Grandma, I don't want to go. I am tired from the journey. I just want to rest.”

“You don't want to miss this festival. It takes place only once a year,” Nora whined.

So… Emma thought.

She pulled her suitcase and made her way to the house. She was annoyed by Nora's persistence. She wanted to leave the place immediately.

“Nora is right, Emma. You will love it, and you could consider it your lucky day because this does not happen every year,” Grandma persuaded her.

Emma felt torn between going to the festival and going to rest. She looked at the thin girl. Her brown eyes shimmered under the bright sun.

Let's just give it a try.

“Okay, fine. I will go.”

Grandma pulled her suitcase away from her and headed into the house.

“Bye, be careful,” she warned as she waved at them.

Nora grabbed her hand, but Emma jerked it away.

Nora sighed.

“Don't worry, you will love this town very soon,” she said while walking beside Emma.

“I know you are wary of me, but I have heard a lot about you from Grandma,” Nora said, confirming Emma's thoughts.

Emma was not comfortable around Nora.

The arena where the festival was taking place was quite far from her grandma's house. When they got there, her legs were aching, but Emma bore it. Just looking at the scenery, Emma confirmed Nora was right.

The festival square was lit up with string lights, food stalls lined every corner, and music thumped from speakers somewhere near the center. People crowded around the area. In the middle was a long, open space.

Nora pulled her through the crowd, taking her to the front. They sat on long seats where people sat watching the festival.

“Even foreigners come to this festival. I reserved this front view for me and you because I knew you were coming.”

They took their seats.

The arena was filled with excitement. People chatted happily.

“The next function is the bikers' show. That's why so many foreigners came.”

Emma nodded. She was beginning to like the festival. It was nothing like the small parties in Los Angeles, which were usually held in clubs.

She sipped her juice. Nora had persuaded her to buy it earlier.

“Nora, why are you being nice to me?”

Nora smiled. Holding her hands, she replied,

“You are just like a sister to me.”

Emma nodded.

The biker show began.

The first rider took off, weaving through tight circles. The crowd cheered as he took every turn, bending his bike down as he slid around the circle.

The second rider sped off with one leg on the pedal. The people gasped, but when he returned to a normal riding position, they cheered.

Emma looked at the bikers. She smiled, her eyes glinting as each biker performed.

Nora looked at her.

“I told you, you would like it.”

She nodded.

Then the last rider rolled onto the field.

Emma's eyes settled on him.

He wore a black leather jacket that hugged his broad shoulders, the material catching the festival lights whenever he moved. The sleeves were fitted around his arms, and the silver zipper across the front glinted under the lights. Black gloves covered his hands as he gripped the handlebars firmly.

A sleek black helmet covered his head, its dark-tinted visor hiding his entire face. Not even his eyes were visible.

The engine growled under him, low and powerful, vibrating through the ground as he slowly moved forward.

Unlike the other riders, he didn't perform immediately. He sat on the bike, completely still, one boot planted firmly on the ground. His back straight, his shoulders relaxed, and his hands rested steadily on the handlebars.

The crowd grew louder around him.

He didn't care.

Then he twisted the throttle.

The engine roared.

Emma's eyes widened as the bike shot forward.

“That's Ryder,” Nora said beside Emma, practically shouting over the noise.

She pulled her attention back to the arena. Emma was lost in the show already.

“Ryder,” she repeated, her voice barely above the noise.

“He is so good. Everyone shows up here to watch him.”

“Even though he joined the Iron Wolves just last year.”

She shook her head like there weren't words for it.

“You'll see. Watch this next part.”

He pulled the bike into a tight, controlled spin, dust kicking up around him, and the whole crowd roared.

She tried to find some similarity between Ryder and the masked man, but nothing stood out.

Even though Ryder was a good rider, his shoulders weren't as broad as the masked man's.

Emma realised she was holding her breath, though she hadn't even noticed.

The rider finished his final pass, dismounted, and received a wave of applause. He turned his helmet towards where they sat before pulling it off, revealing his face.

The crowd howled.

Emma sighed. He was nothing like the masked man. For a moment, she wanted it to be him, but looking at the biker, she saw that he was muscular and well-built. Still, he didn't possess the charm that had attracted her to the masked man.

His hair was short, with a crew cut, but the masked man's was long.

He winked at Emma from the center of the field. Her stomach fluttered.

She winked back, rolling her eyes at him, and sighed.

“Don't be afraid. He usually plays with everyone like that.”

“I don't care,” Emma said, spitting out the words.

Nora laughed. “You might want to tell your eyes that.”

Emma frowned. “What?”

Nora pointed toward the field.

Ryder was looking directly at her.