Before we start, I'd like to say thank you to potternutter and RacingM3GTR for reviewing; your reviews have been very encouraging. I'd also like to state that this story is dedicated to Sora and Robert: the two who made the difference. Not only were you two here for this, but through the long haul as well. Here's to you, and many more wonderful conversations. With that, here's the final chapter...
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 TEN
The room he sat in was cold and brightly lit, something he had grown used to after a while. Though all that would change dramatically, most likely within the hour. As he questioned and mused his thoughts he kept wondering what could possibly come next in life.
Alex couldn't figure out whether or not being in that accident was good or bad. During his stay in the hospital, his opinions had changed several different times. For a while there was nothing to look forward to, and he knew there was one other car besides himself who felt the same way.
He sighed miserably, things still hadn't changed between him and Brian. It was like starting over again with a horrible twist...
Now the only things left were memories, something he usually smiled about when thinking back on them. He realized now there would be no more good times of pulling pranks on innocent hospital staff or planning revenge on prick doctors. All that just seemed to fade away and now he really did feel completely alone.
He never thought he'd see the day where those memories made him sad, never in his life had he been faced with such a thing. These ones sat in a category all to themselves, locked away so that he couldn't build off them anymore. Almost forcing him to keep moving as he begged to go back and save them from despair.
Alex took his time waking up that morning, for there was no need to rush. He observed the room around him, the place he'd spent the last two months living. He wouldn't miss being here, not like he thought he would. There was the slight nervous feeling of panic as he realized something else, today was the day he'd be checking out of the hospital.
Since no one could check him out, he'd do so himself.
He slowly got to his tires and steadied himself, sighing sadly as he turned on his engine. He waited for the odd noise it usually gave off, but it never came. His engine was better than before; it felt entirely new. In the beginning he couldn't wait to start racing, once again feel the night's breeze as he rushed by. Though now, those thoughts hardly brought a smile.
The muscle car's idling engine echoed loudly as he sat there alone. He looked to the right, taking one last gaze at the air vent and the little grate that started it all. Was everything really coming to an end? He couldn't help but think that he didn't try hard enough.
Alex let off his brakes and allowed himself to roll forward. For what ever reason, something was stopping him from easing onto the accelerator. He forced himself to continue, knowing the sooner he left here the better off he'd be. There was still one more thing he had to do before he drove out the Freedom Doors.
His choice of hallway was taking him directly to the recovery floor.
Once there, he pushed his way through the large double doors, instantly seeing the car he wanted to talk to. Brian was sitting across the room facing the windows, watching the city like he normally did. There was no one else around him, only his reflection. It was extremely quiet that morning, the conversations around him were hushed.
The Mustang began to drive forward, slowly making his way to the green car who seemed so lost. He thought he'd known him well, though the outcomes of their many conversations told him he knew nothing about him except his personality. There had been so much involved, now he was seconds away from knowing whether or not Brian would change his ways for the better.
Alex shut off his engine and glided to a stop behind his friend, sitting there silently. He waited to see if the green car would say something or even acknowledge his presence. Like predicted, he received nothing. He knew he'd have to be more brave than him.
"Brian?" He asked, his tone soft and quiet. The car tensed regardless. "I don't know if you remembered, but today's my last day here..."
Brian sank lower on his shocks, rolling his eyes at the depressing situation he was confronted with. Of course he remembered, how could he forget such a thing? He'd been more than apprehensive about it ever since Alex last told him. It was one of his biggest fears, and all he wanted right now was more time. He desperately wished to turn around and talk to him, but too much was stopping him.
He wouldn't let himself be in that car's life anymore...
Alex never mentioned those special photographs or that conversation between him and Sadie to Brian. That was something he'd keep to himself for as long as he lived, and he felt so honored she actually told him. Trying to fix what was broken seemed impossible at the moment, though in the back of his mind all wasn't lost. "I just came here to tell you that, that I'm not mad at you."
Brian suppressed his will to respond, closing his eyes tightly. Listening to him was torture, he should've never have let it come down to this...
"I know you don't wanna talk to me," Alex said, continuing. "But I was just wondering if I could get a goodbye." He watched sadly as Brian shifted away from him completely. He swallowed hard and nodded to himself before switching into reverse. "I understand, Brian," He said, backing away. Seeing him do that had been a disappointment beyond compare.
The car was turned towards the sun and Alex was able to catch a glimpse of Brian's pain through his reflection. His friend was staring down at his hood with a remorse he'd never seen before. It was incredibly shocking, all he could do was stare in disbelief. Why he was doing this to himself, Alex thought he'd never understand.
He took his time turning around to leave, checking his mirrors on his way to the exit of the recovery floor, hoping Brian would rethink his decision. Hesitantly, he pushed his way through the double doors and down the hall. Nothing suggested that his attempts to help had any effect, much less had his compassionate and caring nature seem to bring back any hope for his friend.
He'd have to accept this for what it really was...
Alex made his way into the lobby, driving over the main desk. He parked in front of it, waiting to be assisted. He forced a smile when the nurse came to greet him. "Hey," He said rather plain. His gaze dropped to the desk. "If you're not too busy, I'm here to check out..."
The nurse gave him a skeptical look, that didn't sound like the car she knew. She was used to the guy who made her smile on the worst of days. She'd never know that his sunny and unique disposition had been tainted. He, too, had been changed from all this. As she was pulling out his file, she noticed his upset features through the corner of her vision.
"You know," She said, driving back over to him. "Most patients aren't sad when they leave a hospital..."
He smirked as a few forms were placed in front of him. "Well," He started, taking a pen as he began to sign his name. "After all this, you should know I'm not most patients..." He listened to her cute little laugh as he moved onto the last paper. Almost regrettably, he signed it as well. The Mustang put down the pen and looked up at her, sliding the forms back. "You stay sweet, alright?"
The nurse placed them back into the folder, closing the cabinet drawer. "And you stay out of trouble..."
Alex remembered the favor he'd been granted. Like Brennard had promised, his illegal street racing charges had been cleared. At least that was something he didn't have to deal with once he drove out those doors for good. "Yes, ma'am," He said before turning around. He felt anxious as he neared the exit.
As the Freedom Doors opened, a gust of cold wind caught him by surprise. He was amazed by what he was greeted with as he drove outside. He braked and surveyed his surroundings, he forgot how long he'd been in the hospital; now the seasons had changed. The noise and sights of the city seemed so strange to him, it felt entirely new.
It had been a long time since he'd felt asphalt underneath his tires and smelled something other than the sterile atmosphere within. There were no more white wash walls or rows of blinding lights, all that had been replaced with a world he'd been eager to see again...
He looked at the cars near him, the street in front of him was completely backed up with traffic. It was that very reason why he hated the city; there was no room to run, almost no freedom. His life was not here, he had to leave and escape this place. Even with that in mind he still had no particular destination he wanted to go.
The Mustang decided he was going to give racing a break, it was time he started doing something important in his life that could promise the bright future Brian had been talking about...
Alex glanced down at his fender with disapproval. He'd have to go to the body shop and get someone to finish the small details on his left front fender that still weren't smoothed. While he was there he'd be getting a new coat of orange. The more he thought on it, he'd be getting the number 74 taken off his doors as well.
He'd miss that part of his identity more than his reputation. He could rebuild that later if he wanted, and he knew there was probably someone new in town who hadn't heard just how good of a racer he was. Maybe someday he'd put that car in his place.
Another cold wind hit the side of his chassis as he remembered the details of his life. He shuddered against the chill once he realized he was literally starting over. He had ended his racing career with Gunner, it was over. He never thought he'd face the fact that racing wasn't an option, even after everything he'd accomplished.
Alex was more than sure Gunner was gone, to pursue the life of professional racing he wanted so badly. The car had always said there was nothing in this town for him, and now there really wasn't; they were no longer friends. If that navy blue Mustang had left, Alex was glad to know he was following his dreams, even if he did regret all those things he'd said to him.
Alex gritted his teeth and revved his engine against the cold. This was it, he was starting over. With a long sigh, he took the first chance he got and merged into traffic...
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The sun was setting, and fast. The world outside the hospital continued to grow darker and darker as Brian sat in his room, watching the cars on the streets many floors below his small pitiful window. For two months, out of the five he'd been in here, he watched life progress without him. Just a reminder of the fact he'd screwed over yet another chance to do better.
For a moment the green car was happy that he wasn't able to see the sunset, that way he didn't have to actually see how much more time he had until he was out of here. It set in the west, and his side of the hospital faced the Atlantic Ocean. Though he couldn't see the thing that made him feel content, it being blocked off by the many buildings the city supported.
With a frustrated sigh Brian quickly turned away from the window. He was so nervous, so worried. Anxiety was taking its toll on him as he wondered where his friends were. What was taking them so long to check him out? His thoughts ventured to the possibility that maybe Dave had purposely convinced everyone to wait until now.
Dave. That thought sent a chill through his crankshaft. He was going to face Dave, it didn't get much worse than that. At least when Alex had been here, he didn't have to think about what was to come when he finally got released from here. Though now, there was no point in thinking about that friendship. He'd ended that as well, like he planned all along.
Though today wasn't just the day he was out of here for good, today was also the day he could soothe his withdrawals...
Guilt and regret swelled inside of him as he thought about the others. Soon, fear replaced both of them as his thoughts returned to Dave. Brian started pacing around his room the more it dwelled inside his mind. No matter how much he tried it seemed impossible to escape the inevitable.
Thankfully, his thoughts soon jumped to Sadie. There was a reassuring memory that brought out a sigh of relief from him. He hadn't missed his and Sadie's anniversary, and knowing that helped his hope ever so slightly. He didn't know what he'd do if he missed it.
Brian sank lower on his shocks, flinching at the cold touch of the tile floor. He closed his eyes, finally finding peace in the situation.
Although the door to his room had been pushed open slowly, it didn't stop him from quickly spinning around in surprise to see who it was. "Yes?" He asked before he could even recognize the car. It was Colby, his doctor. The expression on the other's face was almost un-readable, though he took a guess. "Time to go?"
The doctor nodded in response and turned to leave, Brian eagerly followed. They silently drove side by side down the main hallway as they neared the lobby. Colby's psychologically detached attitude had always been the reason why he felt so annoyed by him.
Brian glanced over at his doctor, seeing this as the best time to speak up. He'd never told him how much he appreciated all his hard work. "There's something I've been meaning to say," He started, matching the car's speed. Colby lazily looked over, giving his soon to be ex-patient his attention. "I just wanted to say thank you, for everything you did."
Colby's expression hardly changed as Brian waited for a response. He only tilted his frame away so he could better regard him. "You're waiting until now to thank me?" Brian nodded as they both maneuvered past a couple of nurses. Colby sighed and pressed his speed higher. "You're welcome," He said, pushing his way through the double doors of the lobby.
Brian slammed on his brakes as the doors hit his grille. Regaining his senses, he suddenly became scared. Beyond those doors, his friends were waiting for him. He drew a ragged breath before he continued, slowly pushing his way out into the lobby.
Almost immediately he saw his friends sitting across the room, all five of them were parked next to each other. He sat there in astonishment, the last time he'd seen them all together seemed like too long ago. He couldn't help but smile back when he saw Sadie's sweet and loving expression. Laura looked like she was ready to bolt over to him; she couldn't keep still. He could tell that James and Mason were hiding just how happy they really were.
As he looked down the row of cars, he instantly lost his smile as he saw who was on the end. Dave sat slightly away from the others, not even looking in the same direction as them. With a fixed glare he focused on something else to avoid being brought into their joyful little reunion. While they were happy to see this day finally come, Dave had reason to loathe.
Brian glanced down at the floor in shame. Not once did the car come to see him during his stay here in the hospital. Though he didn't blame him...
He looked over to the front desk, something caught his attention. Colby was beckoning him to come over as he pulled out his hospital record. With a tire, Brian motioned for the others to follow. Soon they had formed a circle around him as they reached the front desk. Their presence was warm and welcoming, for a split second he felt content.
Fear filled Brian for the second time that day as he saw the maroon car approaching, his pace was steady and firm while he drove across the room towards the front desk. Though he stood strong, turning to face him. He steadied himself and breathed in deep the closer Dave got, preparing himself for any confrontation he might want. He could only wish he was as brave as he appeared.
But nothing came, no strike or hit. Not even a word.
Dave drove right past him, turning towards the front desk where Colby placed a few papers in front of him. The doctor completely dismissed the horrible vibe the room suddenly had as he sorted a few other files. The maroon car quickly picked up the nearest pen and began to sign the papers, he was intent on getting out of this damn hospital for good.
Just as he brought the pen to the first paper, his movements slowed. He knew that Brian was sitting behind him, but that wasn't what he noticed. This caused his expression to loosen. There wasn't, for the first time in a long time, the scent of liquor surrounding Brian. And in that brief moment, Dave could remember the car he once knew. When times were good, all those years ago.
There was an uneasy silence as the others wondered what was wrong. With his back towards them, they couldn't tell.
Brian thought he should say something, even though the maroon car obviously held a deep hatred for him right now. It was no longer just the wall between them, but the wrong he'd done all these years. His mouth tried to form words as he searched on what to say to him. It was more difficult than he expected. He breathed in deep before he spoke. "Dave--"
"Not a word," Dave commanded as he slammed the pen down.
Brian sat there in silence, it hadn't occurred to him until just now that maybe his friendship with him wasn't able to be fixed. He wanted to try, to know if all was lost. Though he did as he was told, waiting for Dave to finish signing the papers. He turned towards the others with a sigh, shrugging like the animosity between him and Dave didn't hurt as bad.
The other four looked at each other, they were afraid of this happening.
Sadie drove closer, kissing him slowly and deeply. She pulled away and looked into his eyes, giving him a reassuring look even though what Alex had told her was still running through her mind. She knew her husband well, and the small smile he wore was fading quickly. She tried her best to show she still believed in him.
The teal car backed away slightly as Laura pulled up next Brian, nuzzling his fender. "Ready to finally be home?" She asked, smiling.
Brian wasn't sure whether or not to answer. It seemed like a trick question, he didn't know if he'd be better off here at the hospital or back at the mansion. All he could do was smile and nod in return. Somehow, he had the feeling it was going to be a very long night.
James gave Dave his space as he pulled up in front of Brian. "We're all gonna go back to the mansion, I hope you don't mind staying there for a couple of days." He could see in the other's eyes that he knew their intentions. They all wanted to spend time with him, this was the only way. Sadly, James watched Brian swallow hard in response.
Their attention was brought back to Dave as the maroon car threw the pen down on the desk. Everyone watched as he proceeded to turn around, James quickly backed up, swerving out of his way just in time. Dave gave him an aggressive look before turning a heated glare towards Brian, who rolled back in shock. "Sign the papers so we can leave."
Brian cautiously moved his way past Dave, keeping a close eye on the nerve wrecked car beside him. He sighed, trying to get comfortable. He looked down at the papers, each one of Dave's signatures had been brutally inscribed on the documents. In a swift manner, the green car signed what was required.
The six turned to leave just as Sadie signed the last paper. For the first time in five months, Brian was able to drive through the Freedom Doors like he'd been wanting to do. The last one to exit, he stared at everything around him. Life seemed different; surreal.
It took him a moment to realize that the others were already leaving. He quickly caught up to them, finding himself just in front of Dave. He exhaled sharply, knowing there was no way this was going to end well. He kept checking his mirrors, only to see a threatening stare.
Once out of the inner city, Brian began to relax as he studied the world around him. He took in the feel of how his tires gripped the asphalt he drove, and the way the breeze moved the palm trees and oaks of South Carolina. He could now see what was left of the sunset. Its last few rays made the surrounding clouds a dull red, blending in with the night's purple.
The streets they traveled on had a fair amount of traffic moving with them and away. Though to Brian, they felt distant. As they came to a stop at a red light, he could no longer hear the sound of everyone else's engines as he looked into his side view mirror again.
This time, Dave noticed Brian and pinned a heavy glare directly at him. Brian quickly looked away, thinking maybe that the maroon car was waiting for the right time to unleash his rage on just how upset he was with him. The more they sat there at the red light, the more Brian became nervous. He sat there completely still; solid as stone.
To his relief, they began moving again. Traffic picked up pace as he remembered the roads they were on. Home was only two miles away, two agonizing miles...
Brian was glad to see the rich fancy neighborhood he'd known all his life, the drive here was enough to make him paranoid. The streetlights came on just as darkness consumed him; he was eager to get out of the cold and into a cozy bedroom where he could sleep. That way he wouldn't have to deal with anyone, at least not until the next day.
He kept wondering whether or not they'd spare him the agony of questions tonight. If they really knew how he felt it was more than likely they'd leave him alone. Then again, maybe they'd try to escape the awkward silence and fill the room with conversation. Either way, he'd find out soon enough.
The six of them pulled into the driveway of Dave's mansion. James was first to make his way through the front door, he held it open for everyone else until they were inside. They were greeted with the warmth from within, dispersing to various sections throughout the large living room as they settle down.
Brian looked the place over again, it felt so nice to be back home, yet so tense. There was too much to worry about, he didn't think anything could help him relax now that he was here. It was Sadie's touch that brought him out of his thoughts. He looked to his side, seeing her concerned expression.
"You look tired," She said quietly. "Did you wanna go to bed?"
The green car gave his wife a questioning look, he couldn't figure out if she was hinting towards a way for him to leave with a good excuse or being considerate. "Yeah, I'm actually really tired," He told her, truthfully. "You wouldn't mind if I did, would you?"
Sadie shook her hood and kissed his fender. "No, I don't. You go ahead, I'll be there soon myself..."
Brian wasn't hesitant in leaving. He drove down the hall without a word and made an immediate left, driving into his room. He turned around and shut the door, the silence was a deafening return. With a hollow sigh he drove across the room to where he normally slept, dropping his chassis to the soft rug beneath him. It was comforting, to say the least.
Letting go of his thoughts, he began to close his eyes.
Just as the golden light from the lamp beside him was blackening out, he was startled awake by the opening of the bedroom door. Sadie was driving through the doorway. He could barely hear the click of the door as it was shut. "I told you I'd be here soon," She said, making her way over to him.
Brian smiled as he felt Sadie pull up beside him. He glanced down to his right, watching her lean into him and become comfortable. The feelings he had were almost indescribable, he couldn't believe he was back in his own room with the love of his life by his side. He was truly happy, almost content. There was a sudden urge to shout his joy.
"You ready for bed?" He asked, and he felt her nod silently against him. With that, he pulled the lamp's cord. Darkness surrounded him, but for once there wasn't the awful feeling of being completely alone anymore...
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There was silence throughout the house that night, everyone had gone to bed hours before. Brian lay awake with Sadie peacefully asleep next to him breathing steadily, though he wanted to hear that for an entirely different reason. His self-made plans had kept him up, begging him to get this done.
Without turning on his engine he moved across the room towards the door under his own power, careful not to wake his wife. Very quietly, he unlocked the door and pushed his way through. For a second, he turned back and looked into his bedroom. A feeling of guilt weighed heavy on him as he stared at her sleeping form.
Though he turned back around, this was a force he couldn't stop...
He was met by more silence as he listened for any signs someone else might be awake. Feeling that it was safe to proceed, he made his way down the hallway. He was careful not to wake anyone, no one needed to be alerted of his movement.
The hardwood floor beneath his tires was cold, but that didn't matter. Brian was too worried about being caught to notice just how chilly it was. He continued on his way down the first hall, slowly driving past the living room and towards the second hallway.
The green car came to a complete stop at the end of the hall and turned to face two large oak doors. It was the entrance to the entertainment room, a place that had held numerous parties and served many more drinks. Inside was a liquor cabinet that could put any bar to shame. It was massive, and it had everything Brian needed.
With that in mind, Brian didn't waste anymore time sitting outside the doors. He made his way through them, allowing his eyes to adjust to the darkness he was presented with. He drove over to the window and pulled back the drapes to let some moonlight in.
He never noticed the still, silent form that sat in the corner. Waiting.
A huge grin arose on the car's face as he turned to the cabinet. The possibilities were endless, and he had all night to satisfy his withdrawals. It was right here, he could have it. Nothing was holding him back. He shook violently for a moment as he reached for a glass, though it quickly passed as he tried one of the doors.
He dropped the glass and gasped as a brutal force collided with his side, but it was too late to react as he attacker shoved him up against the wall. Caught off guard, the impact knocked the breath out of him. Frantically, he tried to escape his sudden situation.
"Just what do you think you're doing?" The car demanded, shoving him harder into the wall.
"Dave?" Brian choked, finding it difficult to breathe. He struggled to get free, trying all he could to somehow loosen the grip that the maroon car had on him. "Why are you doing this?"
It was an even match of strength though Dave wouldn't let him get away. With all the force he had, he kept him there. "You selfish prick!" He revved his engine, surging forward ever so slightly. The sound of a chassis beginning to crumple made Brian extremely aware of the fact that he wasn't kidding. The car only put up more of a fight to get away.
"Please, Dave, I know you're mad but try to--"
"You have no idea what you've done!" Dave yelled through gritted teeth, his grille continued to intensify Brian's pain.
Brian was getting desperate, there was nothing he could do to escape Dave's hold. The car's fury was a force beyond belief, something that couldn't be broken. He tried to catch his breath as Dave began to lift him off the ground gradually with each inch he shoved.
His mind screamed with the thoughts Dave might crush him, the car certainly had every right to. "Please," He begged. "Let's talk about this!" Pleading was all he knew at this point, anything was better than the increasing pain. He knew he'd been caught in the act of something that should've been stopped long ago.
"Talk?!" Dave boomed, once again crushing the car between the wall and himself. He watched Brian wince in pain, it only added fuel to the fire. "All I've ever done is talk to you, but that never worked! I've wasted my time trying to talk to you! I should've know better than to take you in and make sure you had the better life! I'm sick of talking, you've wasted our lives with this!"
Brian glanced to the side, trying hard to see Dave's face. The room was dark but it didn't hide the rage Dave's eyes emitted. The hatred in the other's voice was unbearable, panic began to set in. "Dave," He pleaded. "I just wanted one drink--"
The maroon car pushed him up against the wall, lifting him off the ground completely upon hearing that. "You think I'm doing this just because you wanted one drink?! I'm not talking about tonight, you bastard, I'm talking about everything! It's always been just one drink! But you know what? One drink always leads to another!"
Brian's tires went limp beneath him as Dave's words sunk into him, hurting.
"So you think I'm just gonna sit there and let you do this all over again?! Let you do this to everyone?!" Dave's right front tire blew as he finally ran over the glass Brian had in his tire moments before. The initial boom sounded like a cannon, though he doubted that was the reason for what happened next.
The light to the entertainment room flicked on for the first time. Brian once again struggled to get free, but Dave only dropped him to the ground with a painful thud.
Furious, the maroon car turned to leave at a brisk pace; he didn't care what they'd heard. The four cars in the doorway quickly moved out of his way. James followed him out the door, soon an argument between the two could be heard from down the hall.
"No, no don't-- don't talk to me!"
There was a series of thrown curses before the startling slam of a door. Horrified, Brian stared back at the three remaining cars still in the room with him. They all turned back to look at him, waiting for something to be said. Though he couldn't respond, he was rendered speechless. Trembling silently, he replayed Dave's words over and over again in his mind.
The three stared numbly at Brian, looking at his battered exterior. Crushed glass was scattered on the floor, a drape lay loosely behind the car. Hadn't their support been enough? Their love and friendship towards him counted for anything?
Brian watched their expressions continue to grow in disappointment and sadness. Their words were hidden but the silence spoke volumes. He desperately wanted them to be proud of him; more than anything else in the world. No, no they weren't the failures, he wished they'd understand.
He sighed sadly as the three cars retreated back to their bedrooms, leaving him there alone. The car took this time to examine the horrible damage Dave had inflicted on him by looking through a broken mirror. His right side was dented considerably. He appeared to be going back to visit Colby sooner than he thought.
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FIN