No one asked for it, but here is the backstory Allie references to in ”The Duel”
This is an AI-assisted story as I wanted to see how close it could come to the storyline I wanted to write.
Created using NovelAI with very little change.
Let me know what you think (and I am not going to use AI for my other stories, just for these two,

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the small town of Maplewood. As the late afternoon light filtered through the trees lining the streets, it illuminated the bustling activity of the local high school. Students milled about, some lingering by the entrance, while others hurried to their extracurricular commitments. Among them was Tim Jovankah, a tall, lanky boy with striking red hair that caught the light like a beacon. His blue eyes sparkled with mischief, a glint that hinted at the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in his mind.
Tim was known for his easy-going nature, but beneath the surface, he was a boy with ambitions that often clashed with his slacker tendencies. He had a knack for charming his way out of trouble, and his friends often joked that he could sell ice to an Eskimo. However, when it came to school, his grades were a patchwork of half-hearted efforts and missed assignments. Most teachers had given up on him, save for one: Gabriel Armando, his Intro to Business teacher.

Gabriel was a man who wore his sarcasm like a badge of honor. He had a way of pushing students to their limits, but he genuinely cared about their success. He saw potential in Tim, even if the boy was too busy daydreaming to realize it. “You’ve got to apply yourself more, Jovankah,” he would say, leaning back in his chair, arms crossed. “You’re smarter than you think. Just stop coasting through life.”

Tim would nod, but the words barely registered. He had bigger plans brewing in his mind, plans that had nothing to do with textbooks or homework. He wanted to break free from the mundane routine of high school and carve out a life that was exciting and full of possibilities. That’s when the idea struck him: what if he could steal a car? Not just any car, but a sleek, powerful Porsche 959. It was the kind of vehicle that turned heads and made a statement, and he wanted to be the one behind the wheel.

His boyfriend, Joey Andrews, was the only person who knew about Tim’s audacious plan. Joey was the embodiment of emo culture, with his jet-black hair falling into his eyes and his wardrobe a mix of dark colors and band tees. He had a unique way of grounding Tim, balancing out his wild ideas with a dose of reality. “You know this is illegal, right?” Joey had said, arms crossed, eyebrows raised. “You could get in serious trouble.”

“Yeah but think about it!” Tim had replied, excitement bubbling over. “I could take it for a test drive, and if I play my cards right, I could just drive away. It’s not like I’m robbing a bank or anything.”

Joey had sighed, a mixture of concern and admiration in his eyes. “You’re insane, but I can’t help but love that about you. Just promise me you’ll be careful, k?”

With Joey’s reluctant support, Tim began to put his plan into motion. He spent hours researching car dealerships, looking for the perfect target.

That’s when he stumbled upon “Imperatore,” a luxurious dealership known for its high-end vehicles and laid-back salespeople. The name itself sounded powerful, and Tim felt a rush of adrenaline at the thought of stepping onto that lot.

The next step was to create fake documents that would link him to a city councilman, risky move, but one he felt was necessary to pull off the heist. He spent nights crafting the documents, using his limited computer skills to make them look as authentic as possible. He even printed them on high-quality paper, convinced that the details would fool anyone who glanced at them. As he worked, he could feel the thrill of the impending adventure coursing through him.

The day of the test drive arrived, and Tim’s heart raced with anticipation. He dressed carefully, opting for a casual yet polished look that would help him blend in with the upscale clientele of Imperatore. As he walked to the dealership, he rehearsed his lines in his head, envisioning how he would present himself as a serious buyer. The sun beat down on him, and he could feel the weight of his plan pressing on his shoulders.

When he arrived at the dealership, he was greeted by the overly plump manager, Mario Lutelli, who wore a bright smile that seemed almost too eager. “Welcome to Imperatore! What can I help you with today?” Mario’s voice boomed with enthusiasm, and Tim felt a flicker of doubt. Could he
really pull this off?

“I’m interested in test-driving the Porsche 959,” Tim said, trying to sound confident. He glanced around, taking in the sleek lines of the cars on display, the polished chrome glimmering in the sunlight.

“Ah, an excellent choice!” Mario exclaimed, clapping his hands together. “Let me grab the keys for you. You’re going to love it!”

As Mario disappeared into the back office, Tim’s heart raced. This was it, the moment he had been waiting for. He took a deep breath, reminding himself of the plan. He had the fake documents tucked safely in his back pocket, ready to present when the time was right.

When Mario returned, he handed Tim the keys with a flourish. “Here you go! Just sign this waiver, and you’re good to go. Take your time. Make sure you get her revved up and enjoy the ride”

Tim nodded, trying to mask his excitement. He signed the waiver, his hands trembling slightly as he scrawled his name. The moment he stepped into the Porsche, he felt a rush of exhilaration. The leather seats enveloped him like a warm hug, and the dashboard gleamed with high-tech gadgets. This was more than just a car; it was a symbol of freedom, of breaking away from the mundane.

“Ready to hit the road?“ Mario asked, peering through the window with a grin.

“Absolutely,” Tim replied, forcing a smile as he turned the key in the ignition. The engine roared to life, and he felt a surge of power coursing through him. He glanced at Mario, who waved him off with a cheerful nod. “Just be back in thirty minutes!“

As Tim drove off the lot, he could hardly believe what he had done. The wind whipped through his hair, and he felt an intoxicating sense of freedom. He was no longer just Tim Jovankah, the slacker; he was a man on a mission, ready to take on the world. The streets of Maplewood blurred past him as he navigated through the familiar roads, adrenaline pumping through his veins.

But as the thrill of the moment began to settle, a nagging thought crept into his mind. What if he got caught? What if the police were waiting for him when he returned the car? The weight of the risk began to press down on him, but he pushed it aside. He had come this far; there was no turning back now.