Author's Note: Here's chapter 4—I hated leaving you all with the cliffhanger and since I won't be able to update until after Christmas—I have to update my G-Gundam story and try to finish it---and I have another deadline to meet after Christmas for my job—I hope that this will keep you all sated until the next installment. And again thank you so, so much all my readers and wonderful faithful reviewers. God bless you and Merry Christmas.
MISTAKES AND MISUNDERSTANDINGS
Trixie drove up the driveway and past her boarded up cottage, which she gazed at with longing as she passed it. She then saw her blue helicopter and noticed the low slung racecar with the "M" on the hood parked by it. Curious as to why her husband would be at her aircraft, Trixie parked her car by the Mach 5 and headed to the hatch of her chopper. But she stopped dead in her tracks and her eyes narrowed as she saw that Speed was not alone. . .
Speed was seated in the close quarters of the cockpit next to the still slender, still lovely Twinkle Banks appearing as if neither had a care in the world, both smiling as if they were sharing a private joke. Trixie reached the hatch and stood in front of the opening to her helicopter, arms akimbo as she snapped, "Well, I hope I'm not interrupting something, you both look pretty cozy!"
Speed spotted the angry visage of his wife and a sick, sinking feeling spread through him like a wildfire. His and Twinkle's eyes flew open in surprise as Speed quickly jumped from the cockpit and grasped his wife by her slender shoulders. "Hiya Trix baby. I was showing Twinkle the chopper and the way it's set up." He leaned in to give her a kiss but she wrenched herself from his arms.
"What's going on here?" she demanded her eyes snapping.
Speed ran his hand through his inky locks. "Nothing, honey. I told you I was just showing Twinkle the helicopter."
"Is that so? And why pray tell," Trixie said, her voice dripping sarcasm. "are you showing her my helicopter?"
Twinkle daintily alit from the craft as she gazed at Trixie apologetically. "I'm sorry, Trixie. Mr. Racer told Speed to show me the setup in your helicopter since I'll be flying it."
Trixie glared at Speed as she inquired, "What is she talking about?"
Speed ran another nervous hand through his hair and flashed a sheepish grin at his wife. "Pops and me just hired Twinkle to pinch hit for you as navigator and spotter for the upcoming races. You knew we were planning to hire someone, sweetheart. So that's what we did."
Twinkle came forward in a placating manner. "That's right, Trixie. But Mr. Racer made sure I knew that the job was temporary, just till you have your baby."
Speed nodded in agreement as he approached the girl who shared his name. "That's the truth, Trix. She's gonna navigate or spot for me during races till you can again."
"Well, I guess that's it," the chestnut haired pilot said, feigning acceptance but her flashing green eyes told another story. Trixie glowered at her husband as she said pointedly, "I think you both have a lot of nerve, this helicopter is mine, left to me by my father. You and your father have no right to decide who flies it even if I can't."
Speed felt as if she had slapped him. "Trixie, you're being unreasonable."
"I don't think so!" she railed.
Speed was getting incensed. First his father insinuates that he was acting inappropriately toward Twinkle and now his wife was proving to be more difficult as she rode yet another vicious mood swing. He was tired of being made to feel guilty for nonexistent behavior that indicated that he was less than trustworthy. The camel's back was rapidly reaching its capacity.
"Look Trixie," he began, trying to stay calm. "You've been a part of the Go Team for over three years and during that entire time, even before you officially became a Racer, you never hesitated to let us use your chopper for races. Well, you're a Racer now and I hate to tell ya, baby, but as everything that's mine is yours, it's a two-way street, everything that's yours…" he left it off as he eyed her meaningfully.
Trixie's eyes narrowed to sea green slits as Speed's implication was clear. She tossed her head haughtily as she said scathingly, "So am I correct in assuming that hypothetically speaking, if we were to, let's say divorce that my helicopter, the one left to me by my father as he died, would be considered community property?"
Speed took a sharp breath, made momentarily speechless by Trixie's statement as his eyes widened then narrowed in anger. Trixie was asking for it, really pushing him to say something he knew that he would end up regretting later and it was taking all his willpower to stay silent in the face of her foundationless tirade.
Watching the powderkeg that was about to explode, Twinkle decided that things between the combating couple were getting out of hand. She took it upon herself to soothe the stormy waves between the Racers so she approached Trixie slowly.
"Trixie, believe me, Speed just brought me here to show me the helicopter so I could use it during the races. He even said that he'd have rather you take me up in it to show me the way it runs but he said that he won't let you fly it till you have the baby."
Trixie eyed the former circus star dubiously as Twinkle went on, "And riding over here, all he could talk about was you and the baby. Take it from me, your husband absolutely adores you and was nothing but a perfect gentleman."
Trixie glanced uncertainly from Speed, who was still quiet, to keep from losing his temper to Twinkle and she was nonplussed, overcome with ambivalence. She nodded and then turning away, went to her convertible and roared away in a cloud of dust. Speed stared off after her in a daze, still like a statue.
Twinkle took a deep breath as she addressed Speed, "Are you okay?"
Speed nodded as he replied, still somewhat shell-shocked, "Ummm."
Twinkle lowered her head as she said regretfully, "Maybe this isn't a good idea to have me as your navigator."
Speed whirled and faced her. "Stop it, Twinkle. You have the job, case closed."
"But what about Trixie?"
Speed said with alacrity, "Don't worry about Trixie. I'll take care of everything and she'll understand, she'll have to." He took her elbow and added, "C'mon, I'll show you the garage," then assisted her into the Mach 5. He got in, started the motor and they roared off.
Later, the sunset painted the sky in golden hues as the day ended and the Mach 5 rumbled up the driveway and in the carport of the newlyweds' residence. Speed had in the front seat with him a huge bouquet of white roses, his customary peace offering, token of love, and bad news cushion. He leapt from the cockpit and leaned in to gather up the blooms, then made his way to the side door. He turned the knob and found that the door was locked so with a sigh, he reached in his pocket for his key. Speed inserted it and opened the door but found with dismay that the chain lock was on the door, still barring his entry.
"Trixie? Are you in there, Trixie?" Speed called through the cracked door. He felt a chill of unease as inside there was no answer and it was dark. He glanced at the yellow convertible sitting next to where he parked the Mach 5 Well she's home he reasoned but why isn't she answering me? And why is she in the dark?
"Trixie!" He put the flowers aside and began banging on the door. "Trixie, c'mon answer me! Trixie!" Speed bellowed as he continued pounding on the doorjamb with his fists, his irritation plain.
A soft sound of sniffling came from within between the din of his beating on the frame, effectively halting Speed's actions as his heart constricted at the unmistakable sound of his wife crying. Anger fading and replaced by concern, he addressed her again.
"Trix, please open the door and let me in, baby. Tell me what's wrong."
More sniffling then, "I can't believe it, I just can't!"
Icy fingers of fear clutched at Speed as panic rose in him at Trixie's tone. "What is it, sweetheart? Talk to me."
"N-no, I-I c-can't. Not when you….betrayed….m-me!"
Speed's eyes widened, appalled by the statement. "Betrayed you?" he asked incredulously.
"Y-yes, you betrayed me. How could you, Speed, how could you?" Trixie wailed as fresh tears assaulted her. She had placed herself against the door as she kept her husband out.
Speed ran his hands through his hair nervously as he stepped back to try to figure out what was happening, it was all like a bad dream. He was absolutely at a loss as to what to do or say, Trixie was nearly hysterical and he had no clue as to why yet he felt he had to do something, anything to try to get through to her.
"Trixie, please believe me I'd never do anything to betray you," he entreated, grasping the doorframe. He continued, "I-I love you, baby, you're everything to me."
Trixie continued sniffling as she said, "Don't lie to me, I saw you and how you looked while you were sitting in my helicopter with your old girlfriend."
Speed heaved a sigh as he protested, "Trixie, she isn't my old girlfriend. As you recall, you were with me when we helped her, when you were my girlfriend, you always were my girlfriend."
Trixie was beyond reason. "Yeah and if I weren't around, you'd have gone after her. Why don't you admit it and admit that's why you hired her to take my place! Well, you got your wish so just go away and leave me alone!" She slammed the door and clicked the dead bolt.
Speed closed his eyes and leaned against the door. He could easily use his keys and kick open the door, breaking the chain but what good would that do? His wife was not in a mindset to listen and anymore arguing would only make them both more upset. Besides, he did not want to do anything to jeopardize her and the baby. So he headed back to the Mach 5, got in and took off.
It was about 9PM when across town in the Morningside Apartments complex, in a second floor studio, the soft sounds of the Righteous Brothers singing "Unchained Melody" sweetened the air with the moan of Sparky's stereo as he led his girlfriend, Janine Trotter in a slow dance. The room was dimly lit with candlelight as the couple enjoyed the closeness of the dance, their hearts beating in harmony to the song.
Janine's arms were draped around the crack mechanic's neck as she rested her petal soft cheek against his and said dreamily, "Oh Sparky, I just love this song."
Sparky was oblivious to everything but the feel of Janine's perfumed softness, her petite form pressed against him making his senses reel. He nodded and made a contented "Hmmm" when an insistent knocking on the door that rapidly progressed into pounding interrupted them.
Janine pulled away and said to Sparky, "Don't you think you'd better answer that."
Sparky pulled her back in the circle of his arms. "Maybe they'll go away if we ignore 'em."
Speed's voice sounded on the other side. "Sparky! Hey Spark are ya there?" He banged on the door again. "C'mon Spark, I need to talk to ya!"
Sparky sighed as Janine said, "You'd better let him in, Sparky. He sounds really upset."
Sparky reluctantly released Janine and with a look of veiled annoyance went to the door and wrenched it open. Speed burst in, in a state of desperation.
"Spark, I don't know what I'm gonna do. Trixie's really gone bananas and she's locked me outta the house!" he rushed in, his expression reflecting his distress. Steeped in his own misery, he did not notice the intimate setting he had intruded upon.
Sparky sighed as he closed the door and Speed plopped on the sofa, putting his dark head in his hands in dejection. The mechanic glanced at his ladylove and shrugged helplessly as he took a seat on one side of his buddy as Janine sat on the other.
"What happened, Speed?"
Speed looked up as he noticed the concern on his best friend's face. "Damned if I know, Spark. I just came home from the track and she wouldn't let me in my own house!"
Sparky nodded as he asked, "It wouldn't have anything to do with you hiring Twinkle Banks to replace her as your navigator, would it?"
"How do you know about that?" Speed asked.
"Pops told me when I went in to the factory to get some specs. He also told me that you took Twinkle to the chopper and you and Trixie had a huge blow up. You should've expected that Trixie would react like that, considering how she is. And hiring one of your former flames ain't exactly what to do."
"Boy, good news travels fast." Speed said sarcastically then sighed in annoyance as he snapped, "Look, when will everybody realize that Twinkle Banks was never my girlfriend! I was involved with Trixie when we helped her, remember?"
"Yeah but you remember Trixie's reaction when you dropped everything to help her."
Speed said heatedly, "She helped her too, by finding us when we were in the cave. And she told you it was better for me to help Twinkle then run the race, at least that's what you told me."
Sparky held his hand up. "Don't jump down my throat, Speed. I was just saying that--"
Speed glared at him as he cut him off. "She needed the job! Besides, it's only till Trixie has the baby.
Janine, who had sat quietly through the entire heated exchange then spoke softly, "You know that Trixie's always been jealous, Speed. Why are you so surprised?"
Speed turned and took note of Janine for the first time and then glanced about, noticing the subdued lighting and soft music still playing on the stereo. His eyes widened in embarrassment as he realized that his timing was atrocious and he had interrupted a very cozy evening between Sparky and Janine.
"Oh gosh, guys I'm sorry," he said shamefaced as he got to his feet. "I came at the worse time, I'd better jet." He headed for the door but Janine got up and grasped his arm.
"Speed, stay please. You look like you really need a friend." She shot a cerulean look at Sparky who nodded in understanding as he came to the bereft racer and looped his arm around his shoulders.
"She's right, pal. Why don't I get you something to eat, you probably haven't had dinner."
"Nahh, I'm not hungry." Speed shook his head sheepishly. "Besides, I busted up your evening with Janine, I should just split."
Janine came to him and said firmly, "We won't hear of it. Tell you what, I'll leave you guys alone and go see if I can talk to Trixie." She reached for her purse and jacket.
Speed gazed at the auburn haired girl, gratitude lighting his cobalt eyes. "Janine, thank you." He reached and took her hand in both of his and squeezed it. He sat back down on the sofa looking lost.
"Don't mention it. As the maid of honor at your wedding, I consider it my duty to help keep the two of you continuing down the sunny path to your 50th anniversary." She went to Sparky and kissed him gently. "I'll call you tomorrow."
He took her elbow and walked her to the door. "Okay, doll. Be good." He gave her a soft kiss goodbye.
After he let Janine out, Sparky closed the door and sat next to Speed who was slumped on the sofa staring at nothing in particular, his eyes sad and faraway. He patted him sympathetically on the shoulder as he said, "C'mon buddy, let's grab a bite and a beer. You look like you need both."
Speed nodded with a pained smile. "Thanks Spark. You're a real pal."
Both men headed for the kitchen.
At the house, Trixie was sitting in the dark, in the living room with her legs folded up underneath her, hugging a pillow to her face, still sobbing. The picture of Speed with Twinkle in her helicopter floated in her mind's eye like an apparition from a recurring nightmare. They were sitting shoulder to shoulder in the close confines of her aircraft and the thought alone caused an ache in her that made her eyes well up. Even the movement of Speed's baby inside her could not ease it.
Her brooding was interrupted by a knock on the front door. Thinking it was her husband, Trixie's anger returned full force as she called out, "Speed, go away. I don't want to talk to you, and I'm not interested in anything you have to say."
A feminine voice answered, "It's me Trixie, Janine. Is everything okay?"
Trixie pushed herself from the sofa and went to the front door. "Janine, are you alone?"
"Yes. Can I come in?"
Trixie unlocked the door and opened it. She stepped back to let Janine in and before closing the door again she scanned the front yard just to make sure. Satisfied that nobody else was there, she came into the living room where Janine sat after switching a lamp on.
"Trixie, you shouldn't be sitting here in the dark. Suppose you tripped and fell, you could hurt yourself and the baby," her friend admonished gently. "Have you eaten?"
Trixie sank on the sofa with a sigh. "I'm not hungry."
Janine pointed out, "You still need to eat. You're eating for two, you know."
Trixie sighed in impatience. "I know, everybody keeps telling me." She studied Janine intently as she asked, "So what brings you here to see me tonight, Janine?"
Janine tried to sound blasé as she replied evenly, "Just thought you'd like a little company."
"I thought you had a date with Sparky," Trixie implied.
The slightest flicker of disappointment lit Janine's azure orbs but she shrugged her shoulders. "We did but something came up."
Trixie leaned closer as she stated knowingly, "Yeah, something named Speed Racer. Don't try to deny it, he went over to see his best buddy, right?" She was relieved that at least he went to Sparky's for comfort and not Twinkle's.
Janine nodded and admitted, "He showed up and looked so pitiful that I insisted he stay with Sparky so I came here."
Trixie sighed, "I'm sorry to drag you guys into this."
Janine reached over and patted her hand. "Look, what are friends for? I felt so sorry for him, he looked like the world fell in on him."
Trixie feigned indifference by tossing her head but her eyes widened with concern. "Is he okay?"
"When I left, Sparky was talking him into having some food but I didn't stick around to see if he actually ate."
Trixie bit her lip in consternation. "I hope Sparky gets him to eat. He last ate at breakfast."
"For someone who isn't interested in what Speed has to say, you sure are interested in his well-being," Janine said softly.
Trixie lowered her head as she grudgingly admitted, "Yeah, I care. He is my husband, after all, and the father of my baby, even if he can't be faithful."
"Trixie that's ridiculous, Speed loves, no make that adores you. He'd never cheat on you."
Trixie scoffed, "He may not act upon it, but I'll lay odds that he thinks about it."
Janine was aghast. "Trixie, you know that's not true. Speed is head over heels about you and has been for years. He may have looked at other girls in the past but I am certain that you were then and are now and forevermore his one and only." She got up from her chair and sat beside her friend. "Listen to me, Trixie. The guy who showed up at Sparky's tonight didn't fit the mold of a philanderer to me. He looked like he was devastated."
Trixie examined her friend carefully. "You really think so?"
Janine nodded as she continued, "Trix, that guy's been off the market for a long time. When he was tutoring me on racing, he never, ever did anything to put the moves on me. And believe me, if he had been available at the time I wouldn't have minded if he did, Speed's gorgeous."
Trixie nodded with a dreamy expression on her pretty face. "He sure is. And he's sweet and gentle and I could get lost in his eyes." Her hand went to her rounded belly absently as she thought of how tender and loving Speed could be and as if in response, their child moved against her hand.
Janine nodded sagely, "You're very lucky, Trixie. To have a guy like Speed as your husband and him being so in love with you. So you shouldn't be threatened by anyone, like the song says, he only has eyes for you."
Trixie nodded as she said, "I know but when I saw him in my helicopter beside Twinkle Banks, who looked just as beautiful as she did when he ditched the Nightona Race to help her, I lost it. I mean look at me, Janine, I'm as big as a house." She patted her rounded belly for emphasis. "Hardly a ballerina."
Trixie, you're having a baby, Speed's baby! The sure sign that you are tied permanently to him and vice versa. And, have you looked in a mirror lately?"
"I try to avoid it if I can."
"Well, you shouldn't. You still are so pretty, with your green eyes and porcelain skin, flawless without any blemishes or blotches. And you still turn heads, I saw it the other day. Remember when we were out shopping the other day and those two businessmen tried to pick us up?"
Trixie smiled in remembrance, her eyes sparkling. The two businessmen were handsome and had offered to buy her and Janine lunch, but spotted her rings and then moved away with regret in their eyes. She had been flattered that even in her advanced state of pregnancy, men still found her attractive. "Yeah," she said with a pleased look. But then she thought of her husband and became alarmed. "Oh Janine, I have to go to apologize to him, poor Speed!"
She made to leap up but Janine laid a restraining hand on her then consulted her watch "It's too late to go now. I'm sure the guys are all sacked out by now and I'm planning to stay here with you so you won't be alone." She rose to her feet and helped Trixie do the same.
Trixie hugged Janine tightly, tears making tracks down her face. "Oh Janine thank you so much! I feel better now that I've talked to you and you know what? Tomorrow I'm going down to the track to surprise Speed and apologize." Her eyes shone with firm resolve.
The next day was bright and sunny, a golden spring day that held promises for great things to come. Speed was behind the wheel of the Mach 5, making laps with his customary ease and expertise, the sleek vehicle flying around the track like a high tech aircraft, following the curve as if it were linked to it. Speed was pleased with the setup on the Mach 5 and he picked up the microphone of the radio to check on his progress from above.
"How's the car lookin', Twinkle?" he asked the pilot of the helicopter hovering above.
"Looking good so far, Speed," she answered. "You seem to be making the corners and hitting the curve."
Speed grinned in spite of himself. Although Twinkle was doing her best, her knowledge of racing was limited to the bare bones crash course Sparky had given her when they all started working this morning. Unlike Trixie, whose knowledge and love for racing had been evident from the day he first met her, Twinkle was trying hard but he could tell that racing was not her forte.
"Thanks, Twinkle. Good job."
The practice session drew to an end as Speed made his last lap around the practice oval. Sparky was deep in concentration with his clipboard and totally into the performance of the Mach 5 and did not notice the yellow Mercedes convertible pull into the area behind the garage.
Trixie killed the motor and slipped her sunglasses off, putting them on the visor as she reached in the back seat for the picnic basket. She pulled it onto the front seat as her eyes sought and followed the Mach 5 as it barreled around the track. She saw that her husband's racecar was completing its lap as the white machine rumbled over to the pit area where Sparky was waiting.
Speed pulled up and cut the motor as he exited the cockpit to examine his results from his crew chief. "So Spark, how's it hanging, she seemed pretty good out there."
Sparky replied, "She's pretty sweet, Speed. Your times are consistent averaging about 200-210 mps at each lap."
The blue helicopter landed slowly on the tarmac on the infield grass and the propellers were slowing as Twinkle cut the engine and jumped down from the cockpit to head over to the men.
Sparky grinned at her and said, "So how'd you like the spotting job?"
She returned the smile. "It's…different. I had no idea there was so much to racing that went beyond just driving and maintaining the car. I hope I can pull it off."
Speed regarded her reassuringly. "Give yourself a chance to get used to it. You'll do fine."
"Okay now it's time for Professor Sparky's next class in Go Team Racing 101, Twinkle," the mechanic announced cheerfully as he put his clipboard to the side. He took the former circus star's arm and said, "Let's go, grasshopper."
Speed threw his head back and chuckled as he watched the two head off for the bleachers, Sparky carrying a large loose leaf notebook. His smile faded, however when he glanced at the blue chopper sitting on the infield, vacant. Yet in his mind's eyes he saw a chestnut haired beauty who had a smile and eyes that lit up his life sitting in the cockpit waving as she had done so many times before. He sighed as he wondered what Trixie was doing now.
A softly husky voice interrupted his brooding. "Penny for your thoughts."
Speed whirled around and his heart caught as he drank in the vision that was his bride. Trixie was standing by the Mach 5, holding what appeared to be a rather heavy picnic basket. He shook himself and went over to her.
She said quietly, "I thought you might be hungry so I brought you some lunch."
"You shouldn't be lugging a heavy basket," Speed said softly, his cobalt eyes sparkling in the bright sun as he gently took the basket from her hands and placed it on the trunk of the Mach 5. They stood before each other, suspended in time as the emotions emanated from them like the bright rays of the spring sun.
Speed took a deep breath and stepped forward to Trixie tentatively. She followed suit as with her head lowered she said softly, "I'm sorry, Speedy. For everything, I'm such a crazy lady lately." She could not look at him but waited for his response. She felt his hands cradle her face and slowly lift it so he could see her piquant, lovely face and tears began to flow.
"You can't talk that way about the woman I love," he murmured, his thumbs gently tracing the warm rivulets as they exited her eyes. He leaned down and his mouth softly yet insistently teased hers open to receive him, his actions speaking far more than words.
Trixie moaned as she encircled his muscular torso with her arms, getting as close to him as the baby inside her belly would allow to respond to Speed's passion in like manner. And as if in approval of his parents' reconciliation, the baby kicked out, startling both as they broke apart.
Trixie giggled as Speed put his hand on her abdomen and said in mock annoyance. "Hey, pal what's the big idea? I was just making up with your mom."
Trixie looked adoringly at her husband. "Then I'm forgiven?"
Speed grinned at her. "After a kiss like that and bringing me lunch have you any doubt?" He looped his arm around her shoulders and squeezed tight as he grabbed the picnic basket with his other hand. "C'mon baby, let's go eat." He led her to the infield grass by the helicopter.
Over at the bleachers, Twinkle had watched the tender exchange between the two with a joyful heart, glad that her position on the Go Team, although temporary, was secure. With Trixie's reaction yesterday she had been fearful that she would be let go but the way the Racers were making up, she inwardly heaved a sigh of relief. She really needed the job, especially when Bruce told her as he called her last night that his search for work was proving to be fruitless. . . .
Flashback:
Twinkle had gotten home to her small apartment, Spangle and his so-called partnership taking everything, including the trailer that had been her home since she was born. Fortunately, she was not left destitute, her mother had left her a small bank account that because it was in her name, Spangle could not lay claim to it.
She entered the tiny dwelling and collapsed on an easy chair, exhausted but elated at the fact that she had a job, a well paying job that also appealed to her need for adventure. She had always craved adventure, which was why she became a licensed pilot. As a spotter and navigator for the famous Go Team, she would be able to satisfy that craving.
The insistent ring of the phone interrupted her thoughts as she picked up the receiver. "Hello?"
"Hi, cara." Bruce's deep resonant voice caressed her over the wire. "I miss you."
"I miss you, too. Oh Bruce, I'm so glad to hear your voice. I have some exciting news!"
"Well, don't keep me in the dark, bellissima. Tell me all about it."
Twinkle took a deep breath and said excitedly, "I got a job!"
A pregnant pause, then "That's great Twink. I'm really happy for you." His voice was subdued belying his statement.
Twinkle picked up on it immediately. "Bruce, what's wrong? Didn't you find anything yet?"
"Nope." He then said with false cheer, "Nothing's wrong, honey. I'm real pleased for you but I gotta go. I'll see you tomorrow for lunch and you can tell me all about it, okay? I love you. Bye."
Twinkle said dismayed, "Bruce, what's--" but she was cut off by the hum of the dial tone. She replaced the receiver on its cradle as she frowned thoughtfully.
End Flashback
Sparky noticed her distracted manner and looked over at what was drawing her attention. He grinned and nodded as he said, "Looks like the lovebirds have patched things up, like they always do. I knew they couldn't stay mad for long, they're inseparable."
Twinkle sighed wistfully as she remarked, "I think it's terrific to see. In today's world, married couples truly in love with each other are a rarity."
Sparky nodded in agreement as he glanced at her left hand and engagement ring. "Speed told me you're engaged." He indicated to the fact by gesturing to her hand.
Twinkle gave a sad smile as she nodded. "Uh-huh." She didn't venture any more information so they resumed their work.
Meanwhile Speed and Trixie were seated on a blanket on the infield grass having their lunch as they chatted about the everyday things they always found to talk about, a bulwark of their relationship. As they finished their meal and put the things away, the conversation drifted to Speed's practice session.
"Yeah the Mach 5's really in a groove today, baby," Speed gushed like an excited child. He always loved when the car was in a great setup and today was no exception. "Practice went outtasight today, I'm really pumped about the race next week."
Trixie smiled indulgently at her husband. "That's great, love. I know that with the Mach 5 running like she does, you'll definitely win."
Speed reached over and cupped her cheek as he drew close. "And there's one other thing that will get me to the finish line first." At her questioning gaze he said tenderly, "Your belief in me. It's the one thing I can't race without." He leaned in to kiss her.
Trixie responded by inviting his oral assault, losing herself in his loving expression. Finally breaking apart, she sighed in contentment, leaning against his broad shoulder and laying her head on his chest, his steady heartbeat echoing in her ear. She then idly glanced at the helicopter and then jumped in dismay as she realized something.
"Hey what gives, angel?" Speed asked as he saw the look of mild consternation on her pretty face. He got to his feet first and then assisted his wife as she looked around.
"Where's Twinkle? Is she here?" Trixie asked worriedly.
Speed took her shoulders in his hands. "Relax, baby. She's over in the bleachers with Sparky going over racing terms so she can communicate with me when she spots. Why do you want to know?"
Trixie looked at the bleachers and spotting the one in question, she began to head in that direction. He progress was thwarted when her husband grabbed her arm, detaining her.
"Trix, why do you want to see Twinkle?" Speed asked, his curiosity piqued.
She sighed as she said, "I owe her an apology. I was awful to her yesterday and I want to make amends."
Speed took her elbow. "Let's go then. I'll go with you."
Trixie smiled ruefully, "Offering moral support, huh?"
He said with a grin, "That's what husbands are for."
The couple made their way to where Sparky and Twinkle were seated on the benches, poring over the IRC rulebook. They were so intent in their studies, that they did not notice the Racers approach.
Twinkle looked up and smiled but then it faded as she saw Trixie, remembering the incident of the day before. She looked at the woman who shared Speed's name and life and rose to her feet, uncomfortable by the intense look in the sea green eyes studying her.
Trixie took a deep breath and proffered her hand. "Twinkle I am very, very sorry for the way I acted yesterday. My behavior was unacceptable and I hope you'll forgive me."
Twinkle glanced at Speed quickly and then back at Trixie and saw no guile, only a sincere gesture of friendship. She eased inside and smiled at Trixie while taking her hand. "It's all forgotten, Trixie."
Trixie smiled and asked shyly, "Friends?"
Twinkle nodded as she said heartily, "Friends." Both women embraced as the men watched, beaming yet forever baffled about the feminine mystique.
Twinkle and Trixie broke apart and Trixie said eagerly, "C'mon and I'll tell you some of the things I've done to help Speed win races. You'll need to see where I keep the smoke flares and first aid kit and I can give you some pointers."
"Sure," Twinkle agreed as she made to follow Trixie but then she glanced at her watch. "Oh no, I lost track of the time! I can't Trixie, I have to meet my fiancé for lunch. And I'm late." She scampered down and headed for the garage.
Trixie gazed after her and then looked at Speed inquiringly, "Did she just say she's meeting her fiancé? Why didn't you tell me?"
Speed shrugged his cobalt eyes wide with innocence. "You didn't give me a chance."
"Ohhh," Trixie said as she took his hand and they went toward the infield.
At a busy Japanese restaurant known as SAKURA that was decked with cherry blossoms, Bruce Trapezini waited for his intended, becoming impatient adding to his already sour mood. The day's search for work was like others before, unsuccessful and Bruce was bitterly wondering if everything would be destined to go against him for always.
Twinkle sliding in across from him interrupted his grim musings, and she seated herself on the cushion Japanese style. "Sorry I'm late, sweetheart, I got tied up at work."
Bruce grunted as he regarded her sullenly and said, "I almost left. So how'd work go?"
Twinkle smiled as she replied, "Super. I was learning all the racing rules and I flew the helicopter for the first time."
"What kind of job has you learning racing rules and flying a chopper?" Bruce asked, curious.
"Oh that's right I haven't told you about my new job." She smiled widely as she continued, "Bruce, you're looking at the new navigator for the Mach 5!" Twinkle's eyes shone in excitement.
Her smile faded as she saw her fiancé's eyes grow dark and stormy. He scowled as he said, "The Mach 5 huh? Speed Racer's car." He glared at her accusingly.
Twinkle sighed as she nodded, "Yes Bruce, Speed Racer's car. Speed needs someone to navigate and spot for him during the next few races because his wife can't, she's about to have their baby."
Bruce folded his arms obstinately and asked coolly, "So he asked you."
"No he didn't," Twinkle responded getting irked by his attitude. "His father, Pops Racer advertised the job and I applied and they hired me."
"Humph!" Bruce grunted again as he said acidly, "I guess nobody else was available. But why you, you don't now anything about racing."
Twinkle bristled at her future spouse's blunt assessment. "I am a stunt driver you know. And I do have a pilot's license, two requirements for the job," she was quick to point out.
"Yeah, just perfect. And I bet he's just tickled to have all that time alone with you," he said resentfully.
Twinkle stared at him, her anger rising. "He happens to be very happily married and a father to be. He's been nothing less than a perfect gentleman."
"Hah! I bet! I know all about how he helped you and your father three years ago, your father told me all about it one night. He even went so far as to say that he hoped you'd see Racer again."
Twinkle sighed. Her father had been very impressed with Speed and the heroic way he came to their aid and he did express to her on more than one occasion that he hoped Speed would come back into their lives again, and marry her. But she had seen the closeness of Speed and Trixie and knew that Speed's heart belonged to the pretty, plucky brunette that was always by his side. And there weren't two people more suited for each other based on what she saw recently.
Bruce decided to change his tact. "Listen cara, I know that Racer may seem like he's happily married and he may well be but when a guy's alone with a beautiful woman for an extended period of time, he gets…urges."
Twinkle's sable eyes widened as she retorted, "Bruce, how could you think I'd allow anything like that to happen? And Speed would never act improperly toward me, he's head over heels over his wife."
Bruce sniffed, "Yeah, but wasn't she his navigator for all the time he's raced."
"Well, yes but--" she began but he cut her off.
"I rest my case." He entreated her, "Look, bambina, I'm just watching out for you. I don't want our marriage doomed from the start."
She knew he was referring to his parents' stormy relationship that led to their separation. It had scarred him for life and he had a hard time with relationships. It had taken a real leap of faith to propose to her and then promise to marry her when he had a dim view of marriage based on his unhappy childhood.
Twinkle reached across and took Bruce's hands in hers. "Listen to me. I know that you haven't found any work yet and this job I have is the only thing keeping us from sinking. If we want to get married Bruce, then we have to have money and I can't give up this job. So please trust me."
Bruce had to grudgingly agree with her but the thought of her being in the closed quarters of Speed's racecar with the handsome racer still made him livid. He got to his feet and snapped, "I'm leaving, I'm not hungry and you need to get back to work." He put a sarcastic infection on the word as he stormed out, nearly colliding with a kimono garbed waitress heading over. She looked at the retreating tall figure with a perplexed expression on her painted face.
Twinkle sighed deeply as she lowered her head, her appetite gone. She waved away the waitress as she shook her head unbelievingly.
"Oh Bruce," she said sadly, brushing away a tear.
NEXT---CONFLICTS AND INSECURITIES