Author's Note: Okay, everybody don't hate me but here's a chapter where our lovebirds are on the outs with each other but I assure you it's short lived, the next chapter will include a heart stopping incident that will lead to their inevitable reconciliation. Any more explanation will give the plot away so without further adieu here's the story. And a huge thank you to my readers and oh-so-faithful reviewers.

IRRECONCILABLE DIFFERENCES

The next day at the track the atmosphere was tense and the grim visages of Pops and Speed were testimony to the upsetting night before. Both came to the track with noticeable bags under their eyes, evidence of the sleepless night they had. Pops lack of sleep was worry for the disappearance of his engine but for Speed it was more, he was feeling the bleakness of having lost that which was most precious, the girl he loved. After seeing Trixie and Gary Lightening dancing, locked in each other's arms while "My Girl" was filling the air, sleep was elusive as he lay in bed torturing himself playing the scene in his head over and over until the sunrise lit the night sky.

Sparky had been called by Pops when he got home so he was aware of the theft and he was as upset when Speed and Pops came over to him.

"Hey guys, you both look like you had one hell of a night," the mechanic said sympathetically.

"That's putting it lightly," Speed said ironically. "Neither of us got any sleep."

Pops yawned as he asked brusquely, "Any calls from the police, Sparky?"

Sparky shook his red capped head with regret. "No calls at all Pops, sorry."

Pops sighed as he said gloomily, "I guess I'll head to my office. See you guys later." And the usually jovial CEO of Pops Motors headed to the factory in utter dejection.

Speed sighed deeply as he watched his father's slow departure. It seemed as if all the spirit was sucked out of him and he suddenly looked old and beaten. It pained the young Racer to see his progenitor so down and he forgot his own troubles while he worried about Pops.

Sparky laid a comforting hand on Speed's broad shoulder. "Have you talked to Trixie today?"

At the mention of his girlfriend, Speed stiffened as he replied coldly, "Nope, and I don't intend to." He shrugged Sparky's hand off and stared off into the distance, scowling.

Sparky would not be denied. "Speed, what gives? I noticed you left the party early and so did Trixie."

"Did she really?" he snorted. "In the clutch she was in with Lightening, I never would've figured, you couldn't get a piece of paper between 'em."

Sparky was baffled. "What're you talking about? She spent most of the party lookin' for you."

"Yeah, sure she did. Look Spark, you don't have to cover for her, I saw it with my own eyes when we came in from talking, her and Lightening." Speed held up a hand and snapped, "I don't wanna talk about it, okay?"

Meanwhile Trixie was driving over to the track, apprehensive yet resolved to set things right with Speed. Last night had been a sleepless night for her as she cried, her heart broken at the thought that the man she loved doubted her. Although she applied a bit more makeup than usual to cover the evidence of the restless night, her puffy eyes were still evident. She took a little ride to clear her thoughts before she pulled into the garage area at the track.

She drove slowly up to the rear entrance of the garage, fingering the delicate gold locket around her slender neck. She stared at the heart resting on her chest, reflecting the sunlight and she turned it over to gaze at the engraving for the umpteenth time, sighing heavily.

Oh Speed, why did you leave my party last night? And why can't you believe that you're the ONLY one for me. I admit Gary is handsome and he is sweet to me but he could never compare with you. You had this beautiful locket engraved with the declaration of me as yours but why don't you believe it? Trixie said silently, tears welling up again as she spotted the rear deck of the Mach 5 and the muscular royal blue clad back and raven black head of her beloved. She impatiently wiped them away as she opened the door and stepped out, squaring her shoulders as she began to walk briskly over to confront Speed. But inside, the butterflies in her stomach had her feeling like she was heading to a firing squad. . . .

Over at the Mach 5, Sparky and Speed were both immersed beneath the hood busily tinkering with the twelve cylinder power plant as they discussed adjustments being made to the amazing racing machine. They were so involved that neither noticed when Trixie came up to them.

"Ya got a three quarter crescent wrench there, Spark? The carb needs adjusting, the mixture's a bit too rich," Speed stated as he held his hand out for the requested tool.

Trixie reached and picked up the tool he asked for and handed it to him, allowing her fingers to brush his palm.

Feeling a hand that was far softer than Sparky's callused one, in curiosity he raised his head out of the engine and turned to see the lovely visage of the girl that had captured and now had broken his heart. He slowly straightened up to face her, his handsome features veiled and impassive.

"Hi, Speed," her husky voice said with assumed cheer.

At the sound of Trixie's voice, Sparky's head shot up, making solid contact with the hood as he cursed and rubbed his head. "Hey, Trix. How are ya?" He reached up and slammed it shut.

She smiled slightly at Sparky and waved. "Hi, Sparky."

Speed 's face was wan and he reached for a rag to wipe his hands as he said coolly, "Hi, Trixie. What are you doing here?" He reached back in the car for his yellow gloves.

She was a bit taken back at his haggard appearance as she said, "I have to practice navigating with you so we can stay in sync during the race."

Speed turned away, donning his gloves and said flatly, "You don't have to bother. Sparky is gonna be my navigator so that frees you up."

Trixie was confused. "Frees me up for what?"

Speed was putting his helmet on as he replied cryptically, "Anything else you might want to do." He slid behind the wheel of the Mach 5 and turned the key starting the engine and revving it several times.

Trixie was dismayed and so she leaned in to talk to him. "But I'm a member of the Go Team. Are you saying that I'm not needed on the team at all?"

"That's up to Pops," Speed replied. He turned and looked at her, noticing that she was wearing the locket he gave her and his heart caught at the view of how pretty the necklace looked on her. But he clamped down his emotions as he said tonelessly, "Excuse me, I have to practice now."

To say she was shocked by Speed's attitude was an understatement, Trixie was rattled to the core, and the pain in her heart reverberated throughout. But she stubbornly insisted on speaking to Speed.

"Speed, it's obvious you're upset. And you look exhausted."

He shrugged, "Sorry, but I didn't get much sleep last night. Someone broke into the factory last night and swiped Pops' new engine and me and Pops were here for quite a while with Inspector Detector and the cops."

"Oh no, Speed," she said, horrified. "How'd it happen?"

Speed sighed as he answered, "Hank the night guard was doing rounds when he saw someone in the stall where the engine was. As he was going over to investigate, someone bopped him on the head and stole it." He scowled as he continued, "Detector thinks it was an inside job."

"Oh that can't be," Trixie reassured him. "Pops trusts all his employees."

Speed regarded her strangely. "Yeah, he did. But you never know when someone you'd never suspect doublecrosses you. Kind of like gettin a sucker punch," he said meaningfully, his cobalt eyes boring into her.

Trixie was baffled by the cold fury she sensed emanating from him. "Speed, I can see you're upset by more than that. Why are you so angry with me? What did I do?"

He looked incredulously at her. "You gotta be yankin' me. You're standing here tellin' me you don't know and you expect me to believe it?"

Now Trixie was getting upset. "Yes Speed, humor me and tell me. What exactly did I do?"

Speed glared at her as he snapped, "I saw you and Lightening nice and cozy last night. You couldn't wait to get away from me, using the music stopping as an excuse. And don't try to deny it 'cause I saw ya!"

Trixie's sea green eyes were wide as saucers. "What are you talking about?"

"You and Lightening, in a clutch dancing to 'our song'," he roared. Speed laughed bitterly as he added, "Our song. What a joke!"

Trixie's delicate features showed recognition then dismay as she said in a high voice. "Speed, it's not what you think, really."

"Sure." Speed sighed in annoyance as he said, "Look, I really don't have time for this. I have to practice or Pops'll have my ass in a sling."

Trixie retorted, "You started it. And we need to talk about it. You have to give me a chance to explain."

"What's to explain? I'm not stupid, I know a brush off when I get one." Speed revved the Mach 5 again for emphasis. I gotta go." And he took off with a roar down the track.

"Speed, I didn't brush you off," Trixie cried after him. "Speed!" She stared off as he began barreling around the track her eyes blurry with unshed tears.

Sparky came over and looped a comforting arm about her. "Take it easy, Trix. He had no sleep last night and he's all uptight with the engine getting swiped. He'll come around."

Trixie wiped her eyes as she said shakily, "Sparky, I didn't do anything with Gary but dance. Why won't he believe me?"

"I'll tell you why," Sparky said sagely. "He's been bitten, no make that devoured by the Green-eyed Monster. He's jealous, Trix."

Trixie blinked the tears back as she cried, "B-but he has no reason to be jealous. I'm his and I have been for a long time. I'm true, unlike him who falls for any pretty face that comes along."

Sparky sighed as the Mach 5 roared by. "Listen Trixie. I know that Speed's eye can wander but when it comes down to brass tacks, I know he's one hundred percent crazy about you. You should've seen the guy when he showed me what he got you for your birthday, he was tickled pink."

Trixie fingered the subject in question, the locket around her neck. "He was, huh?"

Sparky chuckled, "Honestly, you've thought he was a kid, the way he was so excited."

"I love this locket," Trixie said softly. "And he didn't even stay at the party to give it to me, he just left it and disappeared with no reason."

Sparky said quietly, "He really freaked out when he saw you and Lightening dancing. And to the song that he considers 'your song' too."

"Speed left and Gary asked me to dance. What could I do?"

Sparky advised, "You could've said no."

Trixie sighed He's right you know. You could've said no so why didn't you? she berated herself as she stared off at the Mach 5 rounding the track. She responded, "Gary is just a friend, Sparky. He's new in town and doesn't know many people. I just wanted to help him meet some more people." She gazed beseechingly at him as if to beg him to believe her.

Sparky looked at Trixie and felt a tug on his heart. He was torn between the man who had become like a brother to him and the girl who was like a sister. He also knew that all this between Trixie and Speed was just a huge misunderstanding, the kind of thing that occurs between people who have broken down their barriers and are ready to totally give their hearts to each other. The crack mechanic and good friend to both felt like he was in the middle and was truly in a quandary.

"Look, Trix I believe you, I really do but I have to tell you that Lightening has not endeared himself to me. Since practicing here, he's done nothing but goad Speed and his attitude stinks." It was true, since he began coming to the track to practice, Gary Lightening had been an arrogant know-it-all which ruffled Speed's feathers all the more especially when he hung around Trixie, which he did every time he had a break. "And the guy has practically attached himself to you. Trixie, I'm tellin' you it's all I can do to keep Speed from knocking his block off, you know what a temper he has."

Trixie nodded and sighed heavily as she said sadly, "I'd better just leave. No use in sticking around if he doesn't want me to navigate for him." With a bowed head as her tears again began to flow, she headed to her car and ended up running the rest of the way there while Sparky watched her get in her car to leave and shook his head.

Out on the track, Speed was beset by mixed emotions. He was still fuming about last night yet at the same time seeing Trixie wearing his gift warmed his heart and made him hope that perhaps he had just been too hasty to jump to the wrong conclusion. He noticed her over by Sparky talking and then decided that after he finished this lap, he would go over and make amends.

Speed rounded the third turn and headed into the fourth then to the home stretch and came to a stop, killing the engine. He jumped out of the cockpit and sprinted over to Sparky noting with dismay that Trixie was gone.

"Hey Sparky where's Trixie?" Speed wanted to know as he glanced around. "I saw her here with you just a minute ago."

Sparky turned and regarded his friend with a sullen look. "She's gone. She said that since you didn't want her to navigate, she'd split."

"Damn it!" Speed exclaimed as he slammed his fist against the side panel of the Mach 5. "I'm such a jerk!" He sighed and added in dejection, "Man, love's a bitch."

The twins noticed the sad expressions on their parents' faces as the story brought back bitter memories and glancing at each other significantly, decided to offer solace.

Cam clapped his father on the back. "Gee Dad, it musta been tough, to think you lost Mom to that creep Gary."

Speed grinned painfully at his son as he replied, "Cam buddy, that was the beginning of one of the darkest times of my life."

Trixie nodded, "For me too. During the whole week before the race, I thought your father hated me." She brushed a stray tear away as Victori got up and hugged her mother to comfort her.

Speed said softly, "I could never hate you, angel. As mad as I was, I was more hurt to think that Lightening might have stolen you away from me." He reached for his wife's hand and enclosed it in both of his.

Trixie smiled tremulously as she responded, "Nobody could ever steal me away from you, Speedy. You're the love of my life."

Speed's eyes were warm ocean pools, bathing his wife in their loving gaze, a promise in their depths that she saw and smiled at.

Both twins noticed the silent communication between Speed and Trixie and they felt awkward as they sensed the tenderness between them. Yet their hunger to hear the story in its entirety spurred them on.

Victory spoke softly, "So Mom, what happened next?"

Trixie took a deep breath to collect herself and continued. . . .

Trixie pulled into her airfield, the tears running down her face in warm rivulets of abject misery, sobbing uncontrollably. It was a good thing her home was nearby, for if she were on the road in her present state, she would put herself or other drivers in definite danger. She pulled over to the cottage and killed the motor, then leaned over the steering wheel and bawled as if her heart were breaking.

Trixie sniffled as her crying waned and she viewed her surroundings through the watery veneer over her eyes, realizing that she needed to get inside the safe haven of her house. She climbed out of the Mercedes and could not help but stare over the fence at the white race car with the "M" on its hood, now parked on the apron as she saw Speed and Sparky in deep conversation, prompting a fresh onslaught of tears. She rushed into the cottage, slamming the door and headed for the bedroom, where she threw herself on her bed, sobbing.

It was an indeterminate period of time that passed when Trixie was shaken from her cry by the delicate ring of her princess phone and she hesitated to answer, overcome by ambivalence about answering it. Could it be Speed? What should I say to him and will he believe me? She sighed and reached for the receiver, her heart in her throat.

"H-hello?" She sounded like a lost little waif as she hoped to hear Speed's warm tenor and her heart plummeted in disappointment as the gravely baritone of Gary Lightening answered instead.

"Trixie? Are you okay? You sound like you've been crying." Gary's voice was warm with concern. "Please talk to me, Trixie."

She sniffled and then spoke in a too bright voice as she lied. "N-no, Gary I'm fine really. Just got some dust up my nose." She reached for a tissue to hurriedly wipe her nose.

Gary's reaction was one of reluctant acceptance. "If you say so. He took a breath and continued, "Anyway, the reason I called was to ask if you were free for dinner. I'd like to take you out to thank you for inviting me to your party last night, I had a blast."

"Oh Gary, you don't have to do that," she said hastily. "I'm glad you had a good time. You don't have to feel obligated to take me out to dinner."

Gary was firm. "I don't feel that way at all, I want to take you out. Besides, it sounds like you need to get out to cheer you up." At her hesitation he added, "We can go out just as friends, I promise I'll be on my best behavior, honest."

Trixie sighed as she relented, "Okay. Give me about an hour and I'll be ready."

"Great, I'll pick you up in an hour," Gary said gladly. "Bye-bye."

"Bye." Trixie hung the phone up and rolled off the bed with a heavy sigh. A part of her was saying that nothing was wrong with having dinner with Gary but a pang in her heart told her she felt guilty, like she was about to betray Speed. But memories of his early coldness to her attacked her anew and threatened to make the tears flow again so with steely resolve, she went into the bathroom to get ready. . . .

Later, as Gary assisted Trixie into the Silver Streak, the feelings of guilt intensified as she glanced at the now deserted racetrack next door. Speed's cold rejection of her as his navigator echoed in her ears as her eyes welled up again. She turned her head to keep Gary from seeing yet he reached over and took her chin gently in his hand to turn her head to face him.

"Hey now, why are you crying? And don't tell me you've got something in your eyes, 'cause I know better." His voice was like a warm summer wind as worry and care radiated in his violet eyes along with another emotion she either could not recognize or did not want to acknowledge. Trixie shook her head and tried to pull away but Gary was undaunted.

"Trix." His voice was soothing and almost like a caress. "Please talk to me, I want to help you to smile again."

Trixie was drawn into the amethyst glow of Gary's eyes and she suddenly just began to tell him all about Speed's decision to drop her as his navigator. Punctuated by deep wrenching sobs, she poured out her anguish.

Lightening listened, his own heart constricting in pain for the beautiful girl as the uneasiness of knowledge of his own role in her troubles gripped his conscience. Ignoring the conflicting feelings, he wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly against him, relishing the feel of her petite softness and the floral fragrance of her perfume as it wafted up to his nostrils.

After allowing her tears to subside, Gary reached in his glove box and withdrew some tissues to aid in alleviating her distress.

Trixie took them and gave him a grateful, watery smile as she dabbed at her eyes and nose, trying to be ladylike. She then fell back on her sense of humor as she quipped, "Tissues at the ready for any weepy female. Always prepared for emergencies, huh?"

Gary smiled sweetly as he replied, "What can I say, I always have had a penchant for rescuing damsels in distress."

She sniffled as she again wiped her nose. "Thanks for listening."

"Don't mention it. Are you still up for dinner?"

Trixie nodded. "Uh-huh. I'm starving."

Gary turned the key and started the car. "Well let's go then." They roared off.

On Monday morning, the atmosphere at the Pops Motors practice track was thick with the tension that permeates the place a week before a big race with the added stress of Speed and Trixie's estrangement. The day before was Sunday and the Racer family had planned to throw a family birthday celebration for Trixie but she called after church and begged off, complaining of a migraine headache. Speed was deeply disappointed, for he had looked forward to the family party as a golden opportunity to patch things up between them but he was not the only one. Spritle and Chim Chim were nearly inconsolable when Trixie cancelled and with that, Mom Racer did not bake the cake that they both had yearned for. When Pops asked his middle son why Trixie would cancel a family celebration of her own birthday, he had a feeling the answer was connected with Speed's rage when he came home from the party Friday night. Speed confirmed his suspicions and told Pops that he replaced Trixie with Sparky as navigator so he became livid, furious with his son. Seeing his family in such a state, Speed considered going over to her place to check on her and apologize but realizing the harsh words that still remained like a wall between them, he decided against it. So he came to the track this Monday morning, hoping she would be there so he could talk to her and sat on the hood of the Mach 5, staring off over the fence at Trixie's airfield periodically sighing.

Pops walked over with annoyed frown. "Are you going to get in gear and practice or do you intend to spend the entire day staring at Trixie's airfield?" he demanded.

Speed glared at his father as he retorted, "Yeah, yeah, I heard ya. I'll get out on the track and practice while the rest of my life goes to hell." He jumped down and reached to put his helmet on.

Pops snapped, "If you're expecting any sympathy from me, you can forget it. You're the one that created this mess, Speed, when you told Trixie that you didn't need her to navigate. She's a valuable part of the team and an important part of the family, what were you thinking?"

Speed sat there with his arms crossed obstinately, his eyes closed and silent. "I'm sorry I told you about our fight," he said sullenly.

At his middle child's attitude Pops exploded, "You are, huh? And when did you plan to let me know if you hadn't already told me, on race day? You know how important Trixie is to the team and to your success. Yet you told her she wasn't needed, what gave you the right?"

"Pops, Sparky's navigated for me before and did a great job," Speed pointed out. "He'll do a groovy job for us."

Pops was unfazed. "He's the crew chief. He can't do both jobs." He opened his mouth to say more but was interrupted by the arrival of the silver car of Gary Lightening as he rumbled up.

"Humph!" Speed expostulated as Pops shot his son a glare. Gary climbed out of the car and strode over.

"Hi Pops, Speed. Sorry I'm late but I had to check in with Mr. Flatte."

Pops nodded as he answered, "No problem, Grease. Speed hadn't started practicing yet, but he's about to start, right son?" He gave a warning glance for Speed to cool it.

Speed grunted as he nodded. Pops shook his head and walked off grumbling, tired of the conflict with his middle son.

"And if you don't mind, I brought my new navigator with me," Gary began as he motioned to his car.

The door opened to the passenger side of his cockpit and a dove gray garbed feminine figure exited and stepped forward. In spite of himself, Speed found the shapely curves of the dark helmeted navigator oddly intriguing and hauntingly familiar.

"Your navigator's a girl, huh," Speed stated, his gaze on the individual in question. His curiosity was piqued as it appeared judging by the lovely figure that Lightening's navigator was quite comely.

"Yeah," Gary said laconically. "So what?"

Always the gentleman, Speed stepped up to the navigator, offering his hand. "Hi, I'm Speed Racer." He smiled politely and then as the girl removed her helmet, his smile faded and his eyes widened to cobalt pools of disbelief. "Huh?"

Trixie tossed her chestnut curls as she removed the helmet and propped it under her arm. "Hi Speed."

"Wha?" Pops sputtered as he saw Trixie in the garb of Team Thunderbolt. "Trixie, what's going on?" he demanded.

Gary sidled to Trixie and looped his arm around her shoulders as if to flaunt the fact. "She's my navigator for the race."

NEXT---PRE-RACE DISASTER