Here's chapter 2-thanks to those who read and if you're signed in—please feel free to review
RETURN TO THE PAST
The Go Team sat on the chartered plane, heading over the ocean to the small principality in the midst of the Sahara Desert and it began its descent to taxi down the runway at the Soofki Airport. Outside the air was arid, with a touch of desert wind sweeping across the airstrip but inside the plane the air was thick with tension where the expressions on Speed and his wife rivaled the hot wind.
It hadn't been the most pleasant of trips, for the entirety, the two newly wed Racers had been bickering over little inconsequential matters but their squabbling was putting a damper on everybody else's trip. It started with Trixie's moodiness toward Speed as he attempted to hold a conversation with her and then blew into subdued snippy remarks between the two and overt sarcasm that flew back and forth. It had escalated so that by the time the plane actually landed, neither Speed nor Trixie were speaking to each other, both sitting with scowls on their faces and arms crossed.
Mom nudged Pops and remarked, "I don't understand what's wrong with Speed and Trixie."
"Eh, probably just a lover's spat." Pops grunted, "Whatever it is, they have to work it out between themselves. Just as long as it doesn't distract Speed from winning the race."
Mom gave him a disgusted look as just a few seats up Speed sighed and unhooked his seat belt. He wordlessly reached over to assist his wife with hers and was dismayed then annoyed to have his hands slapped away.
"I can do it myself," Trixie snapped. "I'm not helpless."
"Fine!" Speed countered, his temper rising. He threw off his belt in a short jerky motion, clearly angry and then got to his feet and strode away leaving his wife to fend for herself.
The hatch of the plane opened and the airport personnel went about unloading luggage, pit supplies and lastly, the Mach 5. Speed, Pops, and Sparky went and supervised the operation, Speed being sullenly quiet through the procedure.
Sparky noticed his pal's departure from his usual sunny disposition and commented upon it. "Hey, Speed what's the deal. Things tough with the little woman already?"
Speed glared at him in a threatening manner. "Cut the crap, Sparky and let's just get the Mach 5 and its supplies off the plane and to the garage we're usin'," he snapped.
"Okay, okay! Don't bite my head off," Sparky answered, a tad annoyed himself. "It's just that the way the two of you were goin' at it on the ride here, I thought that you might want to talk about it."
Speed sighed heavily and said, "To tell ya the truth Sparky, it beats the hell out of me why we're even fighting. All I did was try to talk to her and she damn near took my head off."
"Well, that's a woman for ya. You get that ring on her finger and the mask comes off."
Speed snorted, "Maybe that's true about other women but me and Trixie have been through hell and back together. There isn't anything about each other that we don't already know."
Sparky nodded, "Yeah, that may be true but every woman has something to hide."
Speed scoffed, "And what makes you such an expert on women? Last I knew you just now started going steady with Janine. That certainly doesn't qualify you as an authority."
Sparky was nonplussed. "W-well yeah I know but they are a strange breed." He saw the Mach 5 being unloaded and hastened to change the subject. "We'd better get to the car."
"Humph!" Speed shook his head in exasperation and followed.
Back at the passenger section Trixie was finally out of the plane. She dabbed at her wet eyes, having had a cry while the rest of the team had already disembarked. But Mom Racer had noticed her daughter-in-law's distress and sat beside Trixie while she finished crying, offering a supportive shoulder to the girl. Trixie was grateful but was mystified as to why she had suddenly become so upset.
Mom was still beside Trixie as she got to the stairs to get off the plane. She put a comforting arm around Trixie's shoulders as the desert wind whipped at Trixie's wide brimmed white hat that she usually wore when traveling. She looked very prim and proper as she and her mother-in-law descended the stairs to the tarmac below. The wind was getting stronger and sand from the nearby desert was airborne and flying into their eyes, irritating them.
Mom Racer sighed as she joined Trixie. "Goodness me, I wonder where we're to go. The airport depot is so far away and that's probably where we could get a taxi to the hotel." She shielded her eyes from the sun and wind as she glanced at the building that looked so small in the distance.
Trixie was about to reply when a long silver limousine pulled up to the two Racer ladies, perplexing them. The chauffeur exited and opened the rear door to let an elegantly dressed man out who had rather sharp features, thick lips and a thin mustache below black eyes that seemed shifty and insincere like a dishonest used car salesman. He smiled at the two flustered women.
"Ahh good day, ladies. May I be of assistance?"
Mom Racer smiled at the man in spite of the uneasy feeling she got looking at him. "You certainly can. My daughter-in-law and I were wondering how to get a taxi into the city to our hotel."
The man nodded as he said, "Finding a taxi at this time of day can be nearly impossible." He directed his chauffeur to take their luggage, which had been unloaded and placed beside them, into the trunk of the limo.
Mom eyed the man in astonishment. "How do you know who I am, sir?"
"But, of course." The man smiled widely as he ignored her question. "I believe that I can be of assistance. I'm Prince Omar, the ruler of Soofki and my limousine is at your disposal, Mrs. Racer. Allow me to escort both you and your lovely daughter-in-law to your hotel." He eyed Trixie in a predatory manner. "I'm surprised that you don't remember me, Trixie," he said a bit reproachfully.
Frowning in concentration, Trixie studied the man's plain features carefully, searching her memory for signs of knowing the man before. Suddenly, her eyes lit up with recognition "Oh, now I remember, of course! How are you, Your Highness?"
Omar took Trixie's hand in both of his and raised it to his lips for a kiss. "Trixie, it is indeed a pleasure to see your exquisite face again. You're even lovelier then I remember." He lowered her hand from his lips but still clung to it, making Trixie quite nervous . . . .
From over at the unloading ramp, Sparky, Pops, Spritle, and the rest of the Go Team were seeing to the Mach 5 and all the race equipment as Speed gazed forlornly at the passenger stairs where he spotted his wife descending. Just like when they were dating steadily, he hated it the few times when they quarreled, at that time when it happened, he would be miserable for days until they made up. And now that they were married, he felt it double. He watched as Trixie gracefully stepped on the tarmac, her white hat like a beacon drawing his eyes to her petite, shapely form. He anxiously glanced back at the activity with the team.
"Uh, say d'you guys need me here?" he asked as he noticed a silver limousine pull up to where Trixie and his mother were standing. He then observed as a man in an expensive gray silk suit and black hair exit the vehicle and approach his wife, taking her hand in both of his to kiss it. Speed felt the rise of jealousy as his face twisted in a scowl at witnessing the man's action. Without waiting for a response to his question, he took off toward the limousine in an angry stride. He came up to the threesome, his cobalt eyes flashing fire.
"Excuse me. I hope I'm not interrupting anything," he said in a clipped tone dripping with displeasure as he grabbed Trixie's elbow and wrenched his wife away from the overly attentive prince.
"Speed!" Trixie protested but he was too angry to reason with. His eyes were burning like twin blue gas flames.
"So do you mind telling me what the hell you were doing slobbering all over my wife?" Speed snapped, his body tightly coiled and ready for a fight. Although he was dressed in his burgundy sports jacket, shirt and tie, he still looked formidable, his muscular physique evident even so formally dressed.
Omar put a placating hand up and laughed shakily. "Please forgive me, my pugilistic friend. I was merely re-introducing myself to your beautiful bride and lovely mother."
"Re-introducing yourself?"
"Yes. Don't you remember, Speed? Approximately three years ago, you ran in the Desert Race and rescued me from my own dungeon where the military had imprisoned me when they tried to stage a coup. I remembered with fondness the angel who spoke encouragement to me from the other cell and lo and behold here she is, your new wife Trixie. She was your friend at the time, was she not?" He smiled at Trixie who blushed as she clung to Speed.
"She was my girlfriend," Speed corrected.
"Ah yes. Well, I never forgot the lovely jewel whose voice captivated me so and I was so pleased to see her again." Omar smiled so ardently at Trixie it was almost a leer.
Speed saw the lusty expression and felt impelled to put a possessive arm around his wife's tiny waist as his memory of the event came to him. He had recalled the prince's fond reaction to his then-girlfriend and although he didn't say nor do anything outwardly, he recalled brooding about it on the ride home. His arm tightened around her as he felt the Soofkian ruler's heated gaze on his beloved.
"He was just trying to help us, Speed," Trixie said softly to calm her husband down.
"That's right, son," Mom said evenly. "Since he saw you and the rest of the team involved with the Mach 5, His Highness was simply offering Trixie and I a ride to our hotel, that's all. He happens to be the ruler of Soofki."
"That's right, Speed. After all, I am indebted to you for rescuing me three years ago. Please allow me to see to getting your wife and mother safely to the hotel. Consider it a wedding present with my warmest wishes. Besides, the wind is getting quite fierce," Prince Omar pointed out as the sand swirled gusts were getting heavier, blotting out the sun.
Although still feeling a bit put off by the prince's overly warm attitude toward his wife and being so informed, Speed became shamefaced at his impulsive outburst. Offering his hand to the monarch he said in a sheepish manner, "I'm deeply sorry at having acted so horribly toward you, Your Highness. Please forgive me."
Omar smiled thinly as he took the proffered hand and shook it. "Think nothing of it, my friend. Why don't you go and see to your racing machine and I'll see to it that your wife and mother get to the hotel." The sound of another transport plane landing sounded above. "You need to make room for the next racer arriving so ladies we should go." He reached to take Trixie's arm again but Speed pulled her gently away.
"If you'll please wait a few moments, Your Highness, I'd like a word with my wife. We won't be long." Before Omar could say anything he drew Trixie away to address her. "Look, Trix baby, I know I was wrong for blowing up on the plane and I'm sorry. I hate it when we fight." He leaned down to nuzzle her.
Trixie's arms reached around his neck. "Oh Speedy, I hate it too. I just don't know what's wrong with me lately. The least little thing sends me off the deep end and I start crying." Their mouths found each other for a lingering kiss and watching from the limo in the distance, Omar seethed.
They drew apart and were startled by a deep drawling accented voice. "Well look who's here, Speed Racer and his bride. My heartfelt congratulations to you both." They both whirled around and were face to face with the sardonic but handsome visage of Kim Jugger, who was grinning wryly at them. His black cape flew about him in the wind giving him the appearance of a reserved, chilling apparition.
Always the good sportsman, Speed released Trixie and held out his hand with an urbane smile. "Kim, it's good to see you again."
Kim shook his hand briefly as he remarked, "Well, looks like this time you weren't able to touch my new car for the race."
Speed's eyes narrowed slightly as Trixie felt him tense up in rising anger. "Look, when are you gonna realize that it wasn't me that sabotaged the Black Tiger?"
Kim tossed his head and replied mockingly, "Yeah, sure. Well this time's different, Speed. I won't allow you or anybody to keep me from winning the Sandstorm Desert Rally." He then changed tact as he perused Trixie and smiled showing even white teeth against his olive skin. "Trixie, you look ravishing. Allow me to offer my congratulations to your recent wedding." He took Trixie in his arms and said, "I believe it is customary to kiss the bride," as he captured her lips with a prolonged kiss.
"Ohh! Hey!" Speed's voice called out in dismay as Kim released his flustered wife. He grabbed Trixie and while holding her growled, "What's the big idea?"
Kim threw his head back and laughed, "Save it, Speed. As lovely as your bride is, I am a man of honor and would never take liberties with a married woman. There is however, a lady who has stolen my heart."
Trixie's eyes brightened up. "Really, Kim?" But her next words stayed in her mouth as Kim abruptly turned away without a goodbye. She wasn't sure, but she thought she saw a shadow of pain in his glowing amber eyes. She stood there looking after him when Speed's hand on her elbow snapped her back to the here and now.
"Trix, are you okay?" Speed asked solicitously as he regarded his wife's thoughtful frown.
"Uh, yeah. Why?"
Speed opened his mouth to say something then shook his head. "Nothing, honey. Let's get you to the prince's limo, 'cause I gotta get back to the Mach 5." He propelled her to the waiting vehicle.
That evening after dinner Speed had excused himself to go out to the pit garage where he wanted to do a check on the pit equipment with Pops and Sparky. He kissed her on the forehead and promised her he would not be long as he left with Sparky.
Trixie sighed as she sat in the parlor in their suite. Pops had made sure that the newlyweds would have their own suite so they could be assured privacy. She was appreciative but also wished that her mind could be taken up with other things than her suspected pregnancy. Alone, it was virtually impossible to think of anything else.
Trixie picked up a pillow and went to the bathroom. Raising the bottom of her shirt, she stuffed the pillow up and readjusted the shirttail. She studied her image in the mirror critically Huh, I'll be really gorgeous when I'm big as a house! Those race groupies will be all over Speed and I'll be too big to move let alone knock their teeth out. He won't even look at me! she said, stifling a sob as fear of Speed's imagined rejection overtook her.
Her hormone induced self-pity party was interrupted by a knock on the suite door. Startled and wiping the tears from her eyes, Trixie ran to the suite door and opened it to find what appeared to be a palace footman with an invitation on a small gold tray.
"Yes?" Trixie asked politely.
"Mrs. Speed Racer?" the man inquired.
"Yes?" she repeated.
He proffered the tray with a deep bow. "His Highness requested that this be delivered to you in person. He also wanted you to know that he would be humbly honored by your presence."
Quite taken back by the presentation of the invitation from Prince Omar, Trixie was speechless. She took wordlessly the envelope and the footman bowed again then turned on his heel and left. She took the envelope and closing the door, she slipped a finger under the flap and pulled the elegant card out.
Dear Trixie and Speed,
His Highness Prince Omar Mohammed Salaam requests your
presence at a ball and banquet at the Imperial Palace , the
following evening. I look forward to seeing you.
In Humble Sincerity,
Prince Omar
Trixie studied the invite thoughtfully He certainly is being quite gallant and generous she mused as she took a seat on the sofa in the suite. Her mind went back to the first time she saw Omar after being imprisoned in the cell next to his and how his voice painted a picture in her romantic teenaged mind of a handsome prince. How disappointed she was to see that he was not the dashing figure his voice portrayed him to be. But she didn't recognize the prince at the airport, He must've had some plastic surgery done, for he's not bad looking at all. It was true for if he still wasn't the storybook prince of her imagination but the work he had done on his appearance in the last three years made him dapper at the very least.
She was still woolgathering when the door opened to the suite an hour later and her husband walked in. He came over to the sofa to sit and greet her.
"Hiya, baby. How ya doin?" Speed said as he put his arm around his wife and leaned in for a kiss. He noticed the card in her hand and curious asked, "What's that?"
"Huh?" Trixie said blankly, shaken from her reverie. "What?"
"That," Speed replied as he plucked the card from her hand. He skimmed through the short invite and continued, "Oh yeah, the banquet and ball. All the Formula 1 drivers and crews are invited. Hmmm, that's a pretty formal invitation, our wedding invites weren't this fancy." He tossed the card on the coffee table in front of them and studied his wife's appearance. "Is it my imagination, Trix, or did you put on a few pounds after I left?" He patted her rounded belly, chuckling, thinking it was a joke.
Trixie jumped to her feet, arms akimbo and was ready to set him down a few pegs when her hand felt the pillow still under her blouse. "Oh my!" she shrieked as she dashed into the bathroom, slamming the door. She snatched the pillow out and tossed it in the bathroom then wrenched the door open and flounced over to the far side of the sofa, away from him.
Speed stared at her with a perplexed expression on his handsome face. "Honey, are you all right? I mean, I was just thinking that you were putting me on so I laughed. I'm sorry if I offended you, really." He slid over closer to her and reached to tuck a lock of her hair behind her ear. "Is something wrong?"
Trixie turned to him and almost started crying, seeing the tender love and concern burning in Speed's cobalt orbs. Instead she pasted on a too bright smile and said cheerfully patting his hand reassuringly, "Nonsense, Speed, everything's fine." She got up and said to him, "I'm gonna get ready for bed, okay? It's been a big day." She turned to head to the bedroom.
Speed stood up and grasped her arms to detain her. "You're sure you're okay?" he said gently.
She gazed lovingly at him and kissed the tip of his nose. "I'm fine, love. Now come to bed."
Speed nodded and followed her, turning out the lamps. He frowned thoughtfully as he pondered over Trixie's recent mood swings. It seemed that one minute she was happy and full of cheer and then the next she was sullen and uncommunicative, close to tears. He shook his head but made a mental note to watch her carefully to make sure everything with her was all right. Resolved, he entered the bedroom after her, closing the door.
TO BE CONTINUED…. SPEED AND TRIXIE ARE BROUGHT FACE TO FACE TO CONFRONT THE PAST AS TWO FORMER ADMIRERS ENTER INTO THEIR LIVES—WITH PLANS FOR THE NEWLYWEDS
NEXT----FAIRYTALE NIGHTMARE
