I can't believe how long it took to update! Well, some of the family members went back home after Christmas, and school is almost here so things are almost back to normal. I apologize for taking so long. For those of you who are fans of The Reunion, there's a section in here you might remember.
Disclaimer: I don't know how many of my OCs are going to be in here, but I own them. So please don't take them! Other than that, enjoy!
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CHAPTER NINE
The conversations wandering around the recovery floor didn't come close to being noticed by Alex as he stared at the large round clock on the wall across from him. He lost track of how long he'd been sitting there, watching the minute hand make another trip around. An hour, maybe two? It didn't matter anymore, though he couldn't help but wish time would go faster.
All day the Mustang had been waiting for Brian to wake up. For someone who lived his life trying to beat the clock, he sure had a lot of patience for the waiting game...
He stayed up almost all night after he had shown Sadie where her husband was, watching the light in Brian's room shine through the air vent at the bottom of the wall as he sat in his own, waiting. It wasn't until three in the morning that the light was finally shut off for good. The saddened look that she had given him before she left caused most of his sleep loss, it only made him more worried about everything.
Alex had a strong feeling that told him it would be best if he didn't try and wake his friend this afternoon. He was sure that Brian would try and avoid him as much as possible, now that the secret had been revealed, but there was nothing he could do about that. Hell, he didn't even have the nerve to approach him at the moment.
After those upsetting conversations between them, he's had a lot of time to think this over. He'd never known anyone that was an alcoholic; all his friends were obsessed with racing, there was never a time where he'd become acquainted with one. Now he was filled with concern.
He couldn't believe he had actually agreed with Brian's request to find someone who could bring liquor into the hospital for him. Had he known of his friend's current state of being, it would've of been different. It wasn't his fault, really, but he was still ashamed of himself.
From the information he had gathered about this new situation, it was apparently a very strong addiction. Something that was much more powerful than he expected it to be. But out of everything that had been said, he couldn't quite understand the concept of why this would be so difficult for his friend to overcome.
He had seen the side of Brian that had been locked away for many years. The car that had been friendly, playful, and above all others, caring. Although Brian was bitter at times, Alex was sure he came close to fixing what ever had been broken, even if the green car still clung to denial in the month and a half he had known him.
Was his friend willing to give that up again? Or was this something beyond his control? Either way, he'd have to try. He wouldn't let Brian go back to his old ways. What ever it took, he'd help as much as he could.
The Mustang was about to turn on his radio and quietly listen to it when a brief silence fell over the recovery floor. Brian had entered the room and was now sitting in front of the large double doors. Alex's eyes drifted down from the clock on the wall and to the green car sitting below it.
The conversations continued but with caution, the look on Brian's face was enough of a warning for them to stay clear of his way.
His expression reminded Alex of the first time he'd seen him, back when the car had barged into his room and demanded that the music was to be turned off instantly. That dominant projection and proud appearance he had once again resurfaced, but now it hurt him to know that it wasn't real. If anything, it was just another way of hiding himself.
He began to wonder if he'd be able to detect that trace of fear in the car's voice as well. Brian still resented racing and everything it meant as far as he knew. Then again, he could be wrong. He sure hoped he was, for he had made a plan. It was a plan he felt had too many loose ends, but it was a plan none the less. At least he had one.
As quickly as Brian had appeared, he was gone. The car had simply turned around and proceeded to drive back out into the main hallway, leaving behind what ever his original intentions were.
Alex quickly started his engine and switched into first gear, moving away from his spot by the windows and towards the exit. Nothing would get accomplished if he continued to sit there. Besides, all he had been doing was waiting for him to wake up. It wasn't like he was purposely distancing himself, finding the perfect moment to ruin his friend's day.
Rushing through the double doors in an attempt to catch up with him, he found himself alone in the main hallway. He listened to his surroundings as he questioned which way to turn, figuring that the green car would most likely try and throw him off course with an alternate route to a different section of the hospital.
Intercoms echoed in the halls, phones rang in the distance, monitors beeped steadily. All the signs of a regular day in the hospital, but it was far from it.
Sighing to himself, Alex turned his front tires to the right and began to drive down the hall towards Brian's room. He should at least rule out the obvious if his friend wanted to play this ridiculous game with him. His bellowing race engine seemed to be his only company on his trip through the hospital. He found it strange that not even the nurses were wandering around.
He drove past his own room and began to slow to a stop just before he reached Brian's. Gently pushing one of the doors open with a tire, he peered in. To his surprise the green car was staring out the window silently in deep thought.
Alex didn't bother to announce his presence, he could tell Brian already knew he was here. The car had shifted uncomfortably on his weight. He waited a moment longer before speaking up. "Brian?" He asked, his voice piercing through the silence.
Brian flinched but refused to turn around. There was nothing he felt he could say at this point in time that could possibly fix what had been said and done these past few days. It was for the best that one of them decided to end things where they were now.
The Mustang sighed roughly, he didn't come this far with a friendship to be ignored. "You're being immature about this..."
Apparently that was too much of an insult for the other to handle. Brian lashed around at Alex's statement. "Immature?" He sneered, glaring at him.
Alex glared back. "Oh don't act so shocked, Brian. You're the one making a big deal out of this." The image of Sadie's hurt look flashed in his memory. "As far as I'm concerned, you're not considering just how much of an effect this has on the others..."
Wrong. So wrong.
Brian quickly drove across his room and pulled up in front of Alex, hell bent with anger. The muscle car had no idea just what kind of thoughts continued to consume him or the amount of regret and anguish he felt. His friend never would, and a deep rage ran through him because of that. Alex didn't know the truth. "What would you know about my friends? You don't know half of what you think you do."
"I think Sadie's good enough proof," He said, "Why don't you ask her how it feels..."
Brian couldn't believe that the car was bringing his wife into this, purposely trying to bring him down to a level he thought he'd already reached. Almost instantly he lunged at Alex and lashed out at him with burning hatred. Though he stopped just as fast, the Mustang hadn't moved at all.
Alex scowled at him. "I'm not afraid of you, Brian; never was. So don't think that's gonna change now," He told him firmly, un-phased. Even if the green car did strike him, he'd have no problem doing just the same. "You wanna hit me? Go ahead. But I'm not the one who needs sense beat into him."
Brian's expression loosed as he backed away upon hearing those words. He couldn't for the love of life figure out why Alex was suddenly taking a stand. Maybe the car cared more than he thought. His friend had a crucial point, and either way he'd never fight him out of blind rage.
"You through?" The Mustang asked.
"Yeah..." He breathed, reversing farther away. He sighed and looked back at Alex, noticing his friend's curious yet determined expression. "I'm sorry, that wasn't me... It's just what you said about Sadie hit home a little too hard..." Regarding him for a moment, he sensed that he was dealing with an entirely new side of the muscle car. "Why'd you say that?"
Alex, too, began to relax. "Your friends are suffering. If you know how the others feel about this, care to tell me why you were asking for liquor?"
Brian returned to his place in front of his window, leaving the Mustang by the double doors. "Honestly," He started, staring at the world outside. "It's not worth sharing." Everything was progressing for the worst, he didn't want Alex introduced into his life. His chances of having a friend that didn't carry the burdens of his life were gone.
Just one friend that could be free...
"If you didn't wanna talk to me, how come you came to the recovery floor?" Alex asked, moving across the room towards him. "You know I'd be there, I'd say you were looking for a conversation."
The Mustang was right, but Brian wouldn't let him know that. Instead he continued to gaze at the town below him, watching traffic move in the distance.
Alex sighed as well when he didn't get a response, sometimes that car could be so stubborn. Brian was listening but not cooperating. He decided now was the right time to suggest something to him. "Do you hate racing?" He asked.
For some reason, Brian was halfway expecting that. "No, I don't hate it. It's just that bad things tend to follow it..."
Good, he didn't hate it. That was a start. "Then come to my first race when we get outta this damn place for good," Alex said. He figured an opportunity like that could occupy Brian's time, hopefully keep him away from his addiction.
Suddenly Brian could feel the warmth of the sun. That was such an honor. He still wanted to be friends after all of this? After all he'd said and done to him that others would look upon with pity? Hope, there was so much hope...
But he wouldn't take it. He couldn't, just couldn't. His brief smile faded, there was too much involved. It was something that made him believe this could still fall apart and go horribly wrong. He'd eventually let Alex down, more than he was already.
Brian turned on his engine and began to back away from the window, driving across the room past the Mustang and through the double doors without a word.
Alex closed his eyes, breathing in deep and lowering on his shocks while he sat there alone. He wasn't about to give up on this; wasn't the slightest bit discouraged. What ever it took, he'd help. He was no quitter, and he had a past to prove it...
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The next day, Alex had another plan he was already putting into action. He drove down the main hallway at a brisk pace that morning, eager to reach the hospital's lobby. This time, he was sure this would work. He'd seen just how much of an impact Sadie had on Brian's life by the reaction he had towards his comment about her. Maybe she could provide some sort of solution.
Coming to a stop in the waiting room of the lobby, he grinned when he saw what nurse was behind the front desk.
Slowly and smoothly, he drove to her. "Well hey there," He purred gently, pulling up in front of her. She quickly looked away from her paper work and into the eyes of her visitor, not shocked about who it was. "How's your day going so far?" He let his voice draw out, allowing his engine to work his charm.
The nurse smirked at him, though soon smiled. "What do you want? I'm busy..." She told him, organizing files.
Alex only laughed lightly. "What makes you think I'd want something?" He questioned, following her movements in an attempt to regain her attention. When he succeeded, he smiled suavely at her. "I can't say hello to a good, dear friend of mine?"
"Cut the crap," The nurse finally said, mocking his smile as she stopped doing her job. "And this better be worth listening to."
The Mustang instantly turned serious, remembering what his plan was. "Okay, but before you give me your answer, hear me out," He said before continuing. "I was wondering if you'd be able to give me Brian's contact list..."
The nurse rolled her eyes at him. "No way! Do you know how much trouble I could get in if I got caught giving you someone else's personal information? No, I won't do that. I refuse to do so," She said, annunciating her words carefully to let him know she was firm with her decision.
Alex shifted his eyes from left to right, looking at the room around him with a devious grin. "I don't see anyone else around," He noted, inching closer to her.
Her eyes leveled out. "You're charming, but I'm telling you right now that doesn't work on me..."
The Mustang sighed, somewhat frustrated. "Oh c'mon! What if I told you that love and friendships depended on this very request? Would you change your mind then?" He was surprised at how true his statement was. The nurse looked away briefly before looking back into his eyes and seeing the pleading, innocent face he decided to wear. "Trust me, Sadie would greatly appreciate this..."
She thought about Sadie's current situation. "You're doing this for her?" Alex nodded. "Fine," She said, giving in. "But keep in mind this is a favor for her, not you..."
"Thank you," He told her gratefully. "You won't regret this..."
The nurse hummed momentarily. "I better not, otherwise it'll be your hood." She flipped through the files in the cabinet next to her, pulling out Brian's folder. She searched the sub categories, finding the stock card with the needed information. She turned back to face Alex, carefully sliding the paper to him.
"Don't take too long," She warned.
The muscle car nodded as he began to read the small note card in front of him on the desk. Several different numbers were located on it. The first contact was labeled as Main House, the one directly below it was named Company. He read the side notes to that particular contact. There were two different extension numbers beside the actual, one which was Dave's. Next to his was a guy named Shane.
That made no sense to Alex, but either way he wouldn't be calling that number.
The final contact was a man named George Harris. He stopped reading and thought about the familiarity of the name. "Harris... Harris... I know that from somewhere." He smiled brightly once he recognized it. "South Carolina Racing Headquarters," He told himself. "I love that place..."
Still holding onto the list, he turned around and spotted a row of payphones on the other side of the room. He turned back to the nurse. "Hey do you think I could--"
She slid him two quarters. "That'll get you two minutes," She said, smiling.
He smiled back at her, taking them. "Did I ever tell you how awesome you were?"
"Just leave me to my peace, will ya?"
He chuckled and did what he was told, driving away from the front desk and to the phones. After placing the quarters in, he began to dial Main House's number. He sure hoped Sadie would be home, this was as far as he had planned.
The phone rang, rang, and rang. Just as he was about to give up, a voice came over the other end of the line. "Hello?" A male voice asked un-amused.
"Is Sadie there?"
The voice suddenly turned aggravated, he didn't recognize the other. "Who are you? The new stalker? Listen, don't call this house again unless--"
"This is Alex, sir," He told him, stopping what could've been an angry rant. "I'm a friend of Brian's." There was a long uneasy silence that followed. "Hello?" He asked, wondering if he'd lost connection. Very faintly, the muscle car could tell that who ever was on the other side of the line had turned away from the phone and was talking to someone else.
"Does Brian know anyone by the name of Alex?" The car had asked the individual in the room with him.
Alex could hear the distant reply of another car slightly gasping, and an annoyed 'give me the damn phone' before the shuffling on the other side stopped abruptly. There was a muffled apology as a very pretty feminine voice came over the line. "Hello?" The woman asked.
"Sadie, this is Alex." It was then that he realized his time was running out. "I need you to come here it's really important that--" But it was too late, the phone shut off before he could finish.
The Mustang sighed as hung up the phone, now he didn't know if she'd be coming to the hospital. He turned around to look at the rest of the lobby, feeling it'd be too rude to ask the nurse for a couple more quarters. Defeated, he drove back over to the front desk and gave the card back to her. "Thanks," He told her softly before driving towards the main hallway.
All he could do now was hope she understood his message. He was more than sure his attempt to get his words across came out in a frantic mess. He scoffed, thinking he must've sounded like a complete idiot.
Alex passed other cars in the hospital at a slower than usual pace as he drifted off into his own world. Everything else seemed to disappear once he began to think about the irritable voice that first answered the phone. Whoever it was had apparently not been informed of his friendship with Brian. That was actually Sadie's decision...
The muscle car made an immediate right after a few more hallways and pushed his way through the double doors of his room, driving forward and turning around so that he faced them. He settled on his frame and exhaled slowly before shutting his eyes in relaxation. Now it was time to create yet another plan...
Eventually he'd run out of ideas, but as long as his imagination kept going so would he.
It was the crackling static of his room's intercom a few minutes later that brought him out of deep thought. The Mustang listened intently as a voice spoke. "Sir," The nurse at the front desk began. "You have a visitor..."
Alex sat there a moment longer, almost confused as he pieced together those words. Visitor? Just how long had he been sitting there? Within an instant he had started his engine and bolted through the double doors, barreling down the halls with ease as he maneuvered past patients. He applied his brakes upon remembering just how fast he really was.
He smiled sheepishly at the surrounding cars in apology, noticing their stunned expressions. He supposed most of them weren't big fans of racing. But he continued on his way, thinking how great it would be once he finally started racing again. He missed being in that kind of spotlight.
Alex came to a full stop at the lobby doors, calming his nerves with a sigh. He had already made a fool of himself over the phone, no need to appear desperate. He slowly drove into the lobby, scanning the room for that beautiful teal car.
And there she was, sitting across the room in that unforgettable posture that, only in his eyes, seemed to scream for help. It was like he was an insider, one of the few who knew her pain. It hurt him to know that he'd have to give her bad news. But it wasn't like he had a choice, this was a serious situation. With Brian's opinion in the matter put aside, it was important that she knew what was happening.
The Mustang pulled forward and made his way across the room, catching her smile and returning one of his own. As he approached there was a sudden realization that Brian would see this as a complete betrayal. He kept wondering whether or not the green car would confront him for bringing his wife into this. Though it was too late now...
"Well that was quick..." Sadie said once he was close enough. She watched him park beside her and shut off his engine.
"So were you," He told her. "And I was surprised you came."
"Why?" She asked, laughing lightly. "I knew you had a good reason for calling the house. I trust your judgment, ya know."
Alex looked around the room anxiously. He was too busy thinking about how he'd become so nervous within just a few moments to notice the awkward silence that fell between them. When his eyes finally shifted to the left he was met with the easy and steady gaze of Sadie.
She noticed this, and was now concerned for his well-being. "You alright?"
Alex nodded and looked away from her, somehow feeling this would be more difficult than expected. "The other night, after I led you through the hospital, I told you that I knew there had been a death." He glanced back over at her, and she nodded for him to continue. "But there was more to it. Though I bet you already knew that since it takes an awful lot for him to admit what he told me..."
She kept quiet, wanting him to finish. He was right, very right.
"There's a strong connection between you and your husband, and that's why I believe you'd be able to help the most. I realize now that I should've told you this while I had the chance." He paused briefly, still doubting and second-guessing the outcomes. He couldn't bring himself to look at her anymore. "Because the other day, he was asking for liquor..." The tension began to build. "... and that's the reason I called you."
The teal car sat there in silence, replaying Alex's words in her mind. The icy chill of the hospital slowly moved its way into her frame. It was like shock; she felt numb, something one felt before reality set in. Almost as if trying to protect her from the truth. She wasn't sure how to respond.
"Sadie," Alex began, snatching her from her thoughts. "You know more about this than me. I need to know what I can do to help."
Sadie couldn't find her voice, there were too many things running through her mind. Being the first to hear this news she wondered whether or not she should tell the others. It was best that they didn't know, especially Dave. She shivered at the thought of what the maroon car might have to say about that. Recovery process be damned, that was entirely wrong of Brian to do.
It was then that she turned her attention to the Mustang, regarding him for the longest time. Those phone calls between her and Brian were true, and it was obvious that Alex wasn't going to let everything fall apart like they were. She admired his determination...
Alex sat there still as stone. The silence between them was beginning to be a little too much for him. He panicked, thinking maybe that wasn't the right thing to say at a time like this. Maybe she didn't want him to get so involved with their lives. "I mean, that is unless you feel that I should just stay out of this and--"
He gasped slightly when she laid a tire on his front fender. He wasn't expecting her gesture.
"Alex, relax already," She said, giving him a reassuring smile. She withdrew her tire before continuing, making sure he knew she recognized how much he cared. "I'm not mad at you, okay? I'm very glad you told me this, even if I don't seem that way at the moment..." If he thought this was tough, he had no idea just what kind of hell they've been through.
Alex sighed, sinking lower on his shocks. He'd known all along that she would appreciate this, he was just overreacting...
"So let me get this straight," Sadie started, gaining the Mustang's attention. "He wanted someone to get liquor for him?"
Alex nodded, that was the closest thing to the truth without going into too much detail. "Yes, ma'am. Then Colby explained to me that he was an alcoholic..."
The statement about Colby didn't matter, she was upset that Brian had the nerve to drag Alex through this as well. The more she thought on it, a question came to mind. "Is that what caused the fight between you two?" She asked, turning to look at him. She knew Alex couldn't possibly create a defense that quickly without knowing the reason behind Brian's request.
Alex shook his hood. "No, no it wasn't a fight. Later that night I started talking to Brian about it and that's when he left for the rooftop. It was my fault, I pressured him into telling me a little about the past. After that, you showed up. I guess I pushed him too far. I'm sorry about that..."
"Why are you sorry?" She asked, honestly curious.
"I practically backed him into a corner..."
Sadie scoffed. "Well he started this whole thing, you and I both know that. He backed himself into that corner, what ever he's doing right now is his fault..." She'd known all along this would happen. She glanced over at the Mustang, he still didn't seem convinced. "Besides, I know he's thankful having a friend like you. I know he doesn't show it, and I know he'll never say it, but he is..."
Alex took his gaze off of the tile floor in front of him and into her eyes.
His expression seemed to ask the question, and Sadie knew what she had to do. "I've got something to show you," She said quietly, pulling out a few photographs. Alex eyed them, completely intrigued. "But you've gotta promise not to say anything about them afterwards..."
The teal car looked over the three photos again, holding them in one tire as she studied them once more. She smiled lightly, the Mustang watched her intently as he waited for her to speak. He had no idea why she was smiling, but he didn't have a chance to ask as the smile faded into a long, sad drawn out sigh.
"I'm a real good judge of character, which is probably why I'm here talking to you," She said, flipping through each one by one. "I had a feeling that one day I'd show them to you. Even though I may not mind doing so, these pictures mean a hell of a lot to Brian..."
Sadie slid the first photo over to the muscle car. Alex noticed the slightly torn edges and fragile appearance it had and took it with care. He held it gently in his tire.
The picture was in black and white, but the scenery was unmistakable; February's dying winter had taken its effects on the trees and they stood in the background just adding to the gloom. Though in the middle of the photograph sat a joyful youngster. The car was wearing a smile that seemed to change the dull mood of the picture completely around, giving off a happy and worry-free vibe.
A feeling that seemed invincible at the time...
"That's Colton," Sadie said, breaking yet another uneasy silence. "The car Brian was talking about." Alex couldn't tear his eyes away from the photo, there was something about it that kept him there. He leaned closer to her, letting her know he was listening. "Brian was his crew chief and trainer then. That picture was taken the day of his first win, back in 1949..."
Alex was almost too lost in the photo to see that Sadie had given him a second. He took one last glance at the picture of Colton before giving it back to her and taking the other, the same black and white contrast.
Brian was sitting next to Colton, the two seemed to be laughing shamelessly at something off to the side in the distance behind the car taking the picture. They weren't even aware of the cameraman's presence, just enjoying the moment. Their lives looked so blissful, so complete. Not only could Alex see why a death like Colton's would have such an impact, but feel it.
The Mustang was finally able to look away and at her. "How did--"
"He died in a crash," She said, cutting him off. "Though it wasn't during one of the town's official races, it was a race between him and Brian late one night. Even though it was an accident Brian still blames himself after all these years. I didn't know him at the time, in fact I wasn't even in the same state, but that's when the drinking started."
Alex didn't want to hear anymore of Colton's death. There was a sick feeling running through his engine as Brian's words collided with the information, he wanted it to stop.
"Here," Sadie said, giving him the third photo. The muscle car tried to give the other back to her, but she stopped him. "No no, do me a favor and compare them. Do you see the difference in the pictures? Can you see it?"
This time it was a picture of Brian and Doc sitting next to each other with a Piston Cup trophy between them, both smiling and enjoying victory lane. Alex quickly glanced at the third photograph, recognizing the famous car. He flipped it over and noted what year it was before looking up at Sadie. "Yeah, this is The Fabulous Hudson Hornet and his 1952--"
"Besides that..."
The Mustang looked closer, scanning the two photos. There was a similarity between the expressions of Colton and Doc, the two cars appeared entirely happy and caught up in the moment. Alex took his time, finally seeing what Sadie had been talking about. That sickening feeling came back the more he stared at the photo.
It was Brian. He was smiling, but Alex could see past that now. The green car seemed different. He looked so changed, so distant. A picture of someone who hadn't forgotten the memories and never would. The black and white photo reflected how the car really felt, cold. It was in his eyes, they told the truth.
"I see it," Alex told her, quickly giving her back the photographs. He knew that Brian had also been the crew chief and trainer for Doc, but there was still one question remaining for him. "What ever happened to the racing team? I mean I know everyone split up, but why?"
Sadie shifted on her tires and sighed. "The only one we're missing is Hudson, all of us are still together. There was a huge blow up at a party one night and things got real bad. We didn't find out until it was too late that the team had been sabotaged. We haven't seen Hudson since..."
Somehow Alex felt he shouldn't press that subject any farther, he decided to move on to something else. All the personal information he'd been told was beginning to worry him. "Sadie," He started. "Why'd you show me those pictures?"
She was waiting for this question, hoping he'd ask. "You know, he talks about you all the time over the phone; says you're a great friend." He shifted towards her, wondering where she was going with this. "He tells me that you've got a bright future ahead of you..."
Alex sunk low on his shocks, thinking deeply on the statements she had made. He never thought that Brian would say such things, the car certainly never acted like he would. "Really?" He asked, looking over at her.
Sadie nodded. "And I believe him, which is why I'm telling you all of this. Alex, the reason he's acting like he is now is because he doesn't wanna hold you back. He's so afraid of this happening again," She said, showing him the photos for a final time. "He sees himself as an obstacle, and that's why he's rejecting you..."
The Mustang allowed that to sink in. He looked away from her and began watching the other cars in the lobby, everyone seemed to be in such a rush. None of them noticed the two sitting there, all busy with their own lives; wrapped up tight. Some disappeared behind doors, some arrived. All doing what they had to...
He glanced sideways at her, she seemed as if she was just finally relaxing. He couldn't imagine what she must be going through these days, let alone all this time. There was much more to this than he thought. "Are you gonna be okay?" He asked.
She nodded and looked down at her hood. He was surprisingly easy to talk to, and she desperately needed this conversation. "I'll be fine," She told him, giving him a sweet smile. She looked away, seeing more concern coming her way from the orange car. "Ehh, who am I kidding? I never learned how to adjust... none of us did..."
Alex felt helpless, he wanted to offer her comfort but didn't know how.
"Listen," She said, regaining her composure. "Your intentions were great but you've gotta believe me when I say there's nothing more you can do for him. You're just gonna have to let things play out; all of us are gonna have to..."
The Freedom Doors next to them opened suddenly, a car slowly drove in and started looking around the room. He spotted Sadie right after she recognized him. She left her spot next to Alex and drove over to the other. The Mustang turned to face them and watched the two talk from off to the side.
"James, what are you doing here?" She asked, parking in front of him. She was turned away from Alex, and all he could see was her friend. The car's expression had loosened, relieved that he didn't have to go searching for her. He didn't even notice the muscle car behind her.
"I came to tell you that your boss called, he says he needs you at work today..."
Alex continued to listen to the conversation, he recognized the other to be the voice of the car who answered the phone. Sadie mumbled something to herself before she turned around to drive back over to Alex. "I'm sorry, but I have to go..."
"It's alright, I understand," He told her, noticing James coming around the side.
"Who's this?" James asked in a slightly arrogant tone as he pulled up beside Sadie. She jabbed him in the side with a tire, scolding him with a warning glare.
Alex smiled regardless of the other's rude tone. "I'm Alex, Brian's friend. I wanted to apologize for not introducing myself properly earlier..."
James found himself returning the smile, obviously taking note of Sadie's actions. He wouldn't poke and prod at her reasons for coming here, it wasn't his business anyhow. "I didn't mean to give you a hard time about it; it's been a real rough week on everyone at the house." He turned to the teal car. "C'mon, your boss is expecting you at work within the hour..."
The two started to drive away side by side. Alex watched them leave, still listening to their conversation.
"What shift am I working?" He heard her ask as they neared the exit.
"The graveyard," James answered flatly, seeming to prepare himself for her little fit of anger.
Sadie exhaled sharply, thoroughly pissed as she slammed on her brakes for an instant. "Oh I swear--" She rose higher on her frame before continuing, James just took it in stride. "That bastard, he can't do that to me again!" Over the rant Alex could hear James sigh loudly. The two rounded the corner. "Well he can shove it--"
The automatic sliding doors closed before Alex could hear the rest. It was probably for the best that he didn't...
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Brian's shaking intensified as his engine starved for liquor again. He grimaced at the pain, it was the worst he'd ever felt. He kept telling himself that it couldn't get any more agonizing, but it seemed to do so with each passing day. The addition of a new level of hell...
The green car tried hard to focus in on things around him, straining to see everything in the room that appeared blurry and distorted. He sat alone in a corner of the recovery floor shaking so violently that he could no longer see clearly. It got worse the more he thought about drinking and how long he'd gone without it.
It was at the point where only shutting his eyes gave him a moment of relief. But sleep, he had enough of. Sleeping was all he could do in an attempt to escape the terrible withdrawal symptoms he had. He wished he was still out cold like he was five months ago, at least then he wouldn't have to deal with reality. Life was miserable.
He'd never been deprived of liquor at any point in his life, which is why what nearly killing him didn't phase his thoughts. It was a feeling that kept nagging at him to get his next drink soon. He needed it, craved it, it was apart of him. It was with him all his life, and that's what made it so difficult. It had been gone for too long, a piece of him was missing.
The past few days he'd been narrowing down his choices of the drinks he'd have the first chance he got once he was out of this damn hospital for good, that was the only thing that consumed his thoughts. What brands, how many shots, and what kind of beer to chase it down with. He had it all planned out...
Each time after Brian had that thought, he was reminded of the fact that he'd have to see his friends again. He thought about all the sadness he'd be dealing with after he was free from here. He'd have to face Dave, his worst fear. His best friend of all these years was going to give him hell, he was sure of it. These past few months he'd been preparing himself for the argument.
Some things were going to be said that never should be...
Brian sighed, trying to calm himself. He sank down to the cold tile floor, it helped his shaking. Finding peace was hard to do in a place filled with cars that had nothing else to do but talk all day long. Something that didn't help his irritability and short temper...
Visits form Sadie didn't make him happy, they only seemed to hurt more. For the first time in his life he didn't want to see his wife, he didn't want her to come here. It was such a sad and low point in his life that he was afraid of his loved ones.
Nothing could make him happy, nothing...
He watched some of the new arrivals to the hospital try out their improved engines, the ones that just gotten out of the rooms and were allowed to be mobile for the first time. They were happy to be healthy and active again, unlike Brian who only wished he was still cooped up in his room knocked out.
There in his little corner of the room, Brian avoided contact with everyone else as he waited to start his daily routine for recovery. It usually made his engine feel better and it certainly helped to get his mind off drinking. His semi-rebuilt engine still had a few weeks to go before he was ready to leave.
The green car swore that Colby was out to get him, almost as if his doctor wanted him to feel the pain he was in. Like it was some sort of payback for drinking all these years. He wasn't unaware of the consequences his actions had, but he came to the conclusion that Colby was making things especially difficult for him...
Colby had refused to give Brian medication to make the aches in his engine go away, much less something to help stop the shaking. The doctor told him he wouldn't prescribe any medication during Brian's 'route to recovery'. His excuse was his worry that his patient might become dependent on the medicine.
There was no doubt in that car's mind that Brian would switch right from alcohol to the pills as an escape.
"You're almost there. If you can make it through this, you won't need the medication or the alcohol..."
It was something Colby always told him, but that was easier said than done. Besides, it wasn't like he, of all cars, would know what it was like. If Brian had known the withdrawals for liquor would be this bad, he would've never started...
He slammed a tire against the wall next to him as the anger swelled inside him. Anger for everything. Everything he had said and done that he regretted had apparently found this as the perfect time to make him suffer. Sitting there was driving him crazy, he had to leave. It was torture, absolute agony.
"If you can hang on for a little while longer, there won't be anymore withdrawals for drinks. Trust me, I'm a doctor, I know other patients like you..."
Those sentences repeated themselves in Brian's mind over and over again. The more they did, the more he didn't believe Colby's words. It felt like an eternity living with these symptoms; the side effects kept getting worse. "Just one drink, that's all I need..." Brian said to himself as he whimpered, pressing harder against the wall behind him. "Just one..." He pleaded.
The shaking stopped but now his tires twitched. Again he slammed a tire against the wall in an attempt to knock some sense into them so that they'd stop. It worked but his nerves were still on end, it seemed that at any moment he might jump and hit the ceiling.
He turned a heated glare towards the approaching car that was coming straight towards him. His expression loosened when he saw who it was, not meaning to seem so bitter. After all, the orange car had been here for him this whole time. A feeling of dread moved throughout him at the thought of how much wrong he was doing to him and not just the others, the two had such a broken friendship...
"What do you want, Alex?"
The Mustang cautiously inched forward. "I brought you a glass of water..."
"What for?" He asked, the only thing he could manage. There was so much Brian wanted to say but couldn't find the nerve.
The muscle car shrugged on his shocks, not looking him in the eye. "I dunno, I just thought maybe you'd want one..." Talking to his friend these days was becoming increasingly difficult. He just kept Sadie's words in his mind and hoped for the best. It had been a long time since he'd last talked to her and he could no longer find the car he used to know. Everything was so different now...
Brian sat there thinking deeply on that. He was letting him down like he knew he would. The thought of driving him away after all this was too much. He forced a small smile for him before taking the glass of water, Alex watched silently. "Thanks," He told the car before setting the empty glass beside himself.
Alex still sat there, trying to find the words to say.
Brian noticed this. "You okay?" He asked, even though it was obvious. No, of course his friend wasn't okay. He knew that, and it was all because of him...
The Mustang fidgeted on the tile floor, looking around at the white hospital walls around him. "I was just wondering if you were okay," He admitted rather quietly. He'd learned that questions like those sparked bad conversations, but he couldn't suppress how much he actually cared any longer...
"Alex, you shouldn't worry about me. I'm getting what I deserve after all these years... It's not your problem..."
But in truth it was. The muscle car nodded, looking down at the floor before him. He decided that he might as well as his question now. He wanted more than anything in life for Brian to change his mind. "You're not gonna start drinking again after you get out, are you?"
Brian wished the kid had looked him in the face during the silence that fell between them, maybe then his friend could've noticed the hurt look that he wore. He was deeply moved by the words, more than he thought he would've been.
Alex took the silence as a yes and turned to leave. The car had come so far...
Brian sighed as he watched him leave, he didn't want him to be so disappointed with the way things were going. An apology wouldn't work anymore. "Hey!" He called out to him, the racer turned back without answering. "Am I still invited to your first race? You know, when you get outta here?"
Alex breathed in deep, his hope had been far too damaged. "Only if you're sober..."
Brian sank lower to the floor as Alex continued on his way. Was he really going to throw everything away? This was a nightmare, an absolute nightmare. "You almost drank yourself to death, Brian..." He mumbled as he tipped over the glass next to him with a flip of his tire. The clank of the glass echoed for a brief moment. "Great way to go..."
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Streetlights every now and then shone the way that night. The cricket weren't playing, it was far too cold for them. There was no moon, only a beautiful star field above that shimmered and glistened through the clear atmosphere. Though the millions of little diamonds weren't noticed by the car who drove beneath them.
The street he drove on was empty but Dave didn't feel alone. His surroundings gave off the feeling of security and happiness, something that would've made him smile if he wasn't so nervous. It was a neighborhood much like his, only in simple form; just a little less wealthy.
He suddenly found himself at a complete loss of confidence, not sure how he ever convinced himself to travel all this way to see her. There were many things telling him this would be too much for him to handle, yet at the same time those very feelings were scolding him for having the thoughts of turning around and going home.
He'd come this far... waited this long... The only thing he had to lose was his chance of knowing the truth. Could things really work between them? His mind raced with the thoughts of seeing the beautiful car that had such an impact in his life, the one who showed him how wonderful it used to be...
After talking to James that one night he did a search on Cadence, finding not only her basic information but a few more details. Her current work status was impressive, which would explain why she'd be living in a place like this.
Dave didn't expect anything less from her, she deserved what she earned as far as he was concerned. He was glad to see she was doing well, following her dreams even if he wasn't in her life anymore. The effort she put into work was highly valued, something he had once teased Shane about.
Though that thought didn't bring a chuckle from him, his mind was completely wrapped around Cadence...
From the day he held her printed information in his tire, he knew this would change him deeply. He remembered sitting there for the longest time, staring down at it like it couldn't possibly exist. A life he thought would be gone for good was in front of him. Better days and memorable moments had filled his mind but he didn't frown, for he had something to look forward to.
Knowing he had the chance to see the love of his life again amazed him...
After that, Dave had hid the piece of paper in his nightstand and kept a copy of it in his desk at work. He looked at it occasionally whenever work was slow or when he had the chance. Giving his friends a reason as to why he had to leave wasn't the easiest, but what he was doing right now was worth so much more to him. The lie he told didn't bother his conscience.
Almost as if being powered by a stronger force, he had left them behind and drove to the interstate...
The weeks had gone by slow, incredibly slow. Each night before bed he had taken her information out and wondered if he should really do this, doubting himself more and more as the days pressed on. He counted down the days hoping this wouldn't be a mistake. That little piece of paper had sparked his imagination beyond belief.
There was no such thing as concentration for him. It had been two years since he last saw her, and recently all he could think about was her since she'd been mentioned. Now he was here in Virginia, seconds away from reaching her very home.
The closer he got the address he'd written down the more he felt sick, he was no longer in a dreamy daze as the shock of reality hit him. His eyes scanned the row of houses to the left of him, gradually slowing down. He held his breath, seeing a lovely home with the identical numbers he'd come to memorize over time.
Dave turned off his headlights, careful not to draw any attention to himself as he let this all sink in. He turned and backed up to the other edge of the road so that he was perpendicular on the street and facing her house. He parked beneath an Elm Tree that shaded over the asphalt, where he could hide in the shadows. The ground warm with the day's sun rays.
From what he could see it was a lovely home with a front lawn that seemed highly cared for. There were rounded flower bushes on the sides of the mailbox. Everything else was too dark to see, though he sat there in awe as he remembered this was her house...
Granted it was late, but not that late. The lights to the house were turned off but to the left of the front door sat a very large connected window; it took up that entire side of the house. The drapes had been tied back, allowing light from within to flood out through the window and onto the front lawn, chasing away the shadows. It indicated that she most likely wasn't asleep yet. He sure hoped she wasn't.
Dave's senses went on edge as movement in the house caught his attention instantly. He kept waiting, it seemed like forever. A figure soon came into view, the black and red car he'd come to know and love was parking herself in the living room. He went weak, finding it difficult to stay strong as he sat there. He inched forward slightly and gasped quietly to himself at the sight of her.
After all this time it finally wasn't a dream... this was really her...
Cadence had turned to face the large window, picking up a book next to her on the coffee table that was by the lamp supplying the light in the room. She was flipping through the pages, trying to find where she had last left off.
Dave was scared, more scared than he thought he'd be. He couldn't bring himself to knock on the door, he could only imagine the look of shock on her face if he did. Whether she'd be happy or afraid, he didn't know, only that he couldn't find the nerve to drive up to her door and look into her golden hazel eyes again.
He realized now that he had loved her the whole time, even before their relationship. If anyone could call it that, but to him it had been. One that would never leave him. He didn't know how he could be so blind, so oblivious to how he felt about her the whole time. He had been so concerned with work he looked right past his feelings for her.
Cadence had been the reason work had been easy to come to. He never noticed the beauty of the situation until it was too late...
But in his mind, it was wrong to have such a relationship with a co-worker, especially being her boss at the current time. It was a code he lived by, he always felt it was the wrong thing to do...
Now he came to the conclusion that if he hadn't had that relationship with her, she would've been around longer, maybe forever. At least then he wouldn't have had to live with the pain of not seeing her ever again. He blamed himself for her leaving, not being able to see her everyday.
He could remember everything about her, almost as if he'd just seen her yesterday. Nothing about her had changed, still as beautiful as ever. That feeling of weakness hadn't gone away, he only felt more sick than he had before. A feeling he hadn't felt in a while, not since the day she had left. A feeling during the last kiss they shared, the one memory he would never let go of. Along with the last few words she had said to him.
"Dave, I will always love you. I won't forget about you..."
Sitting there now he could still see her saying those words. He had believed her, he really did. More than anything he wanted to know if that was still true, even if things weren't meant to be. But there was too much holding him back. What if she didn't want to see him? What if she didn't want him back in her life?
He trembled slightly in the cold, she looked liked she was happy living her life the way it was. Why should he suddenly appear? No, he couldn't create a scene, he wouldn't disturb her...
With one final long look, he sighed heavily as the pain of losing her settling on him once again. She'd never know that he attempt to contact her, even if she was hoping he would some day. Either way, he'd regret his original intentions of trying to talk to her, especially the fact he had started his engine and turned his tires back to where he came from.
Though he couldn't move, he was rooted to where he sat. He didn't want to leave, but it was for the best. There would be no more hope, only the dull feeling of rising with the sun each morning to start yet another dreadful day. The silence surrounding him was almost too much. His next sigh was rough and broken as painful emotions rose within him.
She was gone, out of his life like she had wanted... For reasons he'd never know...
With another long look he etched this moment into his memory, slowly pulling away to never return. He kept his headlights off until he was to the main road. He had to make it back home tonight, it was vital he was back in time. Because tomorrow, they were checking Brian out of the hospital. Anger wasn't present, he was numb with sorrow.
He began to think about what could have been as he began to drive away, telling himself it was over before it even started...
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I'd like to thank the ones following along. The next chapter is the last, I hope everyone has enjoyed this story so far.
